CVE-2005-3892 in Instant Messenger
Summary
by MITRE
Gadu-Gadu 7.20 allows remote attackers to eavesdrop on a user via a web page that accesses the EasycallLite.oce ActiveX control, which can initiate an outgoing phone call and listen to the microphone.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3892 represents a critical security flaw in the Gadu-Gadu instant messaging client version 7.20 that exposes users to significant privacy and security risks through improper handling of ActiveX controls. This vulnerability specifically affects the EasycallLite.oce ActiveX control which is part of the Gadu-Gadu client software, creating an attack vector that allows remote adversaries to compromise user systems through malicious web pages. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and privilege escalation within the ActiveX control implementation, enabling attackers to execute unauthorized actions on vulnerable systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the EasycallLite.oce ActiveX control which is designed to handle voice communication features within the Gadu-Gadu client. When a user visits a malicious web page containing crafted HTML code that references this ActiveX control, the control can be invoked without proper user consent or authorization. The control possesses the capability to initiate outgoing phone calls and access microphone functionality, creating a dangerous attack surface that can be leveraged for eavesdropping and unauthorized communication. This represents a classic example of insecure ActiveX control usage where the control's functionality extends beyond its intended scope and security boundaries.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates severe privacy implications for users who may unknowingly trigger malicious code execution when browsing compromised websites. The ability to initiate phone calls without user knowledge or consent constitutes a significant threat to personal privacy and potentially financial security, as unauthorized calls could be made to premium rate numbers. Additionally, the microphone access capability allows for covert surveillance activities that could capture sensitive conversations and personal information without the victim's knowledge. The vulnerability's remote exploitation nature means that attackers can target users from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the victim's system, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may browse untrusted websites.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-749, which addresses exposed dangerous methods or operations in software, and specifically relates to CWE-264, which deals with permissions, privileges, and access controls. The attack pattern follows the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries leverage ActiveX controls to execute malicious code within the context of a user's browser session. This vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics of T1566, which involves social engineering through malicious web content, as users are typically tricked into visiting malicious websites that exploit the ActiveX control. The lack of proper sandboxing or security restrictions around the ActiveX control usage creates an environment where privilege escalation can occur, allowing the control to perform actions typically restricted to system-level operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate disabling of ActiveX controls in web browsers, particularly those from untrusted sources, and implementation of strict security policies that prevent automatic execution of ActiveX components. Users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of verifying software sources before installation. System administrators should consider implementing browser security policies that restrict ActiveX control loading and execution, while also ensuring that the Gadu-Gadu client is updated to versions that address this specific vulnerability. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can help prevent access to known malicious websites that exploit this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar ActiveX control vulnerabilities across their systems, as this type of flaw represents a common vector for privilege escalation attacks in legacy software environments.