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ActiveX is a deprecated software framework developed by Microsoft that allowed applications to share functionality and embed interactive content. It was primarily used in conjunction with the Internet Explorer web browser and various Microsoft Office applications.

How it worked

ActiveX was built on Microsoft's Component Object Model (COM) and Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) technologies. Its core components, known as ActiveX controls, were reusable "building blocks" of software that could be inserted into other applications.

From the beginning, ActiveX was plagued by security vulnerabilities. Because ActiveX controls could be downloaded and executed with unrestricted access to a user's computer, they became a prime target for attackers. A malicious control could install spyware, damage data, or give an attacker remote control of the computer. To address these concerns, Microsoft introduced security measures, such as digital signing, and implemented more stringent security settings in Internet Explorer. However, the framework's fundamental design flaws made it difficult to secure fully. ActiveX is now considered an obsolete and legacy technology, and its usage has declined for several reasons.