CVE-2004-2635 in Security Installer Control System
Summary
by MITRE
An ActiveX control for McAfee Security Installer Control System 4.0.0.81 allows remote attackers to access the Windows registry via web pages that use the control s RegQueryValue() method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2635 represents a critical security flaw within the McAfee Security Installer Control System ActiveX component version 4.0.0.81. This issue stems from the improper implementation of the RegQueryValue() method within the ActiveX control, which creates an unauthorized pathway for remote attackers to access and manipulate Windows registry entries through web-based interfaces. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where the McAfee Security Installer Control is installed and actively used in web environments, making it particularly dangerous in corporate and enterprise settings where ActiveX controls are frequently deployed for security management purposes.
The technical flaw manifests through the insecure handling of registry access operations within the ActiveX control's RegQueryValue() method. When web pages incorporate this control and invoke the RegQueryValue() function, the control fails to properly validate or restrict access permissions to registry entries. This allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary registry queries against system registry keys that should normally be protected from unauthorized access. The vulnerability essentially bypasses normal Windows security boundaries by leveraging the trusted ActiveX control's elevated privileges to perform registry operations that would typically require administrative permissions or specific security contexts. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability where a user-controlled web application can leverage an ActiveX control to access system resources beyond its intended scope.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple registry access, as it provides attackers with the capability to gather sensitive system information, modify critical registry entries, and potentially establish persistent access to affected systems. Attackers can use this vulnerability to enumerate system configurations, extract security-related registry values, or modify registry settings that could compromise system integrity and security posture. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the context of web browsers where users might not be aware of the underlying security implications of ActiveX controls. This creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where McAfee security products are deployed and where ActiveX controls are frequently used for automated security management tasks. The vulnerability also aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls, specifically focusing on inadequate access control mechanisms in software components.
The attack vector for CVE-2004-2635 follows standard ActiveX-based exploitation patterns where malicious web content triggers the vulnerable control through browser execution. This vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1195 which covers content injection and exploitation of web-based applications. The attack typically involves crafting malicious web pages that embed the vulnerable ActiveX control and invoke the RegQueryValue() method against targeted registry entries. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability was particularly prevalent in environments where ActiveX controls were enabled by default and where users had insufficient security awareness regarding the risks associated with ActiveX-based applications. Organizations using McAfee Security Installer Controls were especially at risk as the control was designed to operate with elevated privileges for legitimate security management purposes, but this same privilege model became exploitable by malicious actors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through patching the McAfee Security Installer Control to version 4.0.0.82 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to address the registry access control issues. System administrators should implement strict ActiveX control policies that disable or restrict the use of vulnerable ActiveX components in web environments, particularly when these controls are not essential for legitimate business operations. Network-level controls such as web application firewalls and browser security policies should be implemented to prevent execution of potentially malicious ActiveX content. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable versions of the McAfee Security Installer Control and ensure proper access control measures are in place to prevent unauthorized registry access. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of implementing principle of least privilege for ActiveX controls and regularly updating security software components to address known vulnerabilities.