CVE-2005-3650 in First4Internet XCP DRM
Summary
by MITRE
The CodeSupport.ocx ActiveX control, as used by Sony to uninstall the First4Internet XCP DRM, has "safe for scripting" enabled, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by calling vulnerable functions such as RebootMachine, IsAdministrator, and ExecuteCode.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2024
The CodeSupport.ocx ActiveX control represents a critical security vulnerability in Sony's implementation of digital rights management for the First4Internet XCP system. This vulnerability stems from the control's improper configuration that enables the "safe for scripting" attribute, a dangerous setting that fundamentally compromises the security boundaries of the Windows operating system. The control's design flaw allows remote attackers to invoke potentially malicious functions through web-based attacks, creating an attack surface that extends far beyond the intended scope of the DRM system. The vulnerability specifically affects the control's ability to execute system-level operations without proper user consent or authorization, making it a prime target for exploitation by malicious actors seeking to gain unauthorized access to systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exposes several dangerous functions within the CodeSupport.ocx control that can be remotely invoked through ActiveX mechanisms. Functions such as RebootMachine, IsAdministrator, and ExecuteCode represent particularly dangerous capabilities that allow attackers to perform system-level operations without user interaction or proper authentication. The RebootMachine function can force system restarts, potentially disrupting services or creating opportunities for additional attacks, while IsAdministrator can determine system privileges and ExecuteCode can run arbitrary commands with elevated permissions. These functions operate outside normal security boundaries, making them attractive targets for exploitation as they can bypass traditional access controls and privilege escalation mechanisms that would normally protect system integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond the immediate scope of the DRM system, creating persistent security risks for all systems that have the Sony First4Internet XCP DRM installed. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems, potentially executing malicious code with administrator privileges and establishing persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target users through web browsers without requiring local access or physical presence, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple systems may be exposed. This creates a significant risk for organizations that have deployed Sony's DRM solutions, as the vulnerability can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without user awareness or consent.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with several common attack patterns documented in the attack framework, particularly those involving ActiveX-based exploitation and privilege escalation. The configuration error that enables "safe for scripting" represents a fundamental violation of secure coding practices and demonstrates poor security design principles that have been repeatedly identified as problematic in industry security standards. The vulnerability can be classified under CWE-431 and CWE-749 categories, which address improper restriction of operations within a security domain and dangerous use of a function, respectively. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers, removing vulnerable components from systems, and implementing network-level restrictions to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper security testing and code review processes, as the issue could have been identified through standard security assessments and penetration testing procedures.