Vulnerability Description
AOL versions up to and including 9.5 includes an ActiveX control (Phobos.dll) that exposes a method called Import() via the Phobos.Playlist COM object. This method is vulnerable to a stack-based buffer overflow when provided with an excessively long string argument. Exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of the user, but only when the malicious HTML file is opened locally, due to the control not being marked safe for scripting or initialization. AOL remains an active and supported brand offering services like AOL Mail and AOL Desktop Gold, but the legacy AOL 9.5 desktop software—specifically the version containing the vulnerable Phobos.dll ActiveX control—is long discontinued and no longer maintained.
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- http://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/11190
- https://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=version&iId=20354
- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework/master/modules/exp
- https://web.archive.org/web/20100804162117/http://www.rec-sec.com/2010/01/25/aol
- https://www.broadcom.com/support/security-center/attacksignatures/detail?asid=26
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/11204
- https://www.fortiguard.com/encyclopedia/ips/32026/aol-phobos-dll-activex-control
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/aol-phobos-playlist-import-stack-based-buff
- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework/master/modules/exp
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/11190
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/11204
FAQ
What is CVE-2010-10015?
CVE-2010-10015 is a documented vulnerability. AOL versions up to and including 9.5 includes an ActiveX control (Phobos.dll) that exposes a method called Import() via the Phobos.Playlist COM object. This method is vulnerable to a stack-based buffe...
How severe is CVE-2010-10015?
CVSS scoring is not yet available for CVE-2010-10015. Check NVD for updates.
Is there a patch for CVE-2010-10015?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Review vendor security bulletins for remediation guidance.