CVE-2004-2663 in Egatherer
Summary
by MITRE
The (1) SetDebugging and (2) RunEgatherer methods in IBM Access Support eGatherer ActiveX control 2.0.0.16 allow remote attackers to create files with arbitrary content, as demonstrated by creating a .hta file in a Startup folder.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2663 resides within the IBM Access Support eGatherer ActiveX control version 2.0.0.16, specifically affecting two critical methods: SetDebugging and RunEgatherer. This represents a classic active content vulnerability that exploits the trust model inherent in Windows environments where ActiveX controls are executed with elevated privileges. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and improper file handling mechanisms within these methods, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the control's behavior through crafted parameters. The vulnerability falls under CWE-73, which describes "External Control of File Name or Path" and aligns with the broader category of path traversal and file manipulation flaws that have historically plagued Windows-based applications. The attack vector leverages the ActiveX control's ability to interact with the Windows file system directly, bypassing normal security boundaries that would typically restrict file creation operations in user contexts.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates how ActiveX controls can be weaponized to perform unauthorized file operations on target systems. When attackers invoke the vulnerable SetDebugging or RunEgatherer methods with malicious parameters, they can instruct the control to create files with arbitrary content in predetermined locations. The specific demonstration of creating .hta files in Startup folders illustrates the potential for persistent malware deployment and automatic execution upon system reboot. This technique directly maps to ATT&CK tactic T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1014, covering "Rootkit." The .hta file extension is particularly dangerous as it enables the execution of HTML applications with full system privileges, making this vulnerability a potent vector for establishing persistent backdoors and executing malicious payloads. The vulnerability exists because the control fails to properly sanitize input parameters before using them in file system operations, creating a direct path for arbitrary file creation and content manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-2663 extends beyond simple file creation capabilities to encompass full system compromise potential through various attack chains. When successful, attackers can establish persistence mechanisms by placing malicious files in Windows Startup folders, ensuring that their payloads execute automatically whenever users log into affected systems. This vulnerability enables the deployment of additional malware components, keyloggers, or remote access tools that can operate with the privileges of the logged-in user. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage or opening a crafted document containing the vulnerable ActiveX control, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or drive-by download scenarios. The vulnerability affects systems running IBM Access Support eGatherer version 2.0.0.16 and potentially other versions with similar implementation flaws, creating a widespread attack surface across organizations that have not updated their systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2663 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling the vulnerable ActiveX control through group policy settings or registry modifications, preventing its execution in Internet Explorer and other browsers that support ActiveX. Organizations should also implement browser security measures such as disabling ActiveX controls in restricted zones and enabling enhanced security features like Protected View. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and privilege separation, principles that align with defense-in-depth strategies recommended by NIST guidelines and the CWE top 25 list. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected ActiveX control and ensure complete removal from systems. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns in Startup folders can provide additional detection capabilities for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a historical example of why ActiveX controls should be deprecated in favor of more secure web technologies and why organizations must maintain current patch management processes to address known vulnerabilities in third-party software components.