CVE-2010-10015: AOL <= 9.5 Phobos.Playlist 'Import()' Stack-Based Buffer Overflow
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desktop software—specifically the version containing the vulnerable Phobos.dll ActiveX control—is long discontinued and no longer maintained.
Affected Software
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2010-10015?
CVE-2010-10015 is considered a critical vulnerability due to the potential for remote code execution.
How do I fix CVE-2010-10015?
To mitigate CVE-2010-10015, it is recommended to upgrade to a version of AOL newer than 9.5 or disable ActiveX controls.
What systems are affected by CVE-2010-10015?
CVE-2010-10015 affects AOL versions up to and including 9.5 that utilize the Phobos.dll ActiveX control.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2010-10015?
CVE-2010-10015 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability.
Can CVE-2010-10015 be exploited remotely?
Yes, CVE-2010-10015 can be exploited remotely through specially crafted inputs in the affected ActiveX control.