CVE-2006-2273 in i-Nav
Summary
by MITRE
The InstallProduct routine in the Verisign VUpdater.Install (aka i-Nav) ActiveX control does not verify Microsoft Cabinet (.CAB) files, which allows remote attackers to run an arbitrary executable file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-2273 represents a critical security flaw in the Verisign VUpdater.Install ActiveX control, commonly known as i-Nav. This control was designed to facilitate software installation processes but contained a fundamental design flaw that compromised system security. The vulnerability specifically resides in the InstallProduct routine which handles Microsoft Cabinet file processing without proper validation mechanisms. This oversight creates a dangerous attack vector where malicious actors can exploit the control to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the lack of proper input validation within the ActiveX control's cabinet file handling mechanism. When the InstallProduct routine processes .CAB files, it fails to verify the integrity and authenticity of these archives before extraction and execution. This absence of verification allows attackers to craft malicious cabinet files that contain executable components which will be silently executed with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable control. The flaw operates at the application level where the ActiveX control is loaded within web browsers or other applications, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, creating a pathway for complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this flaw to install malware, backdoors, or other malicious software on target systems without detection. The vulnerability affects systems where the i-Nav ActiveX control is installed, typically those running older versions of Windows operating systems that support ActiveX controls. Given that ActiveX controls were commonly used for legitimate software installation processes, this vulnerability could be exploited in various contexts including corporate networks, public websites, or targeted attacks against specific user groups. The remote execution capability means attackers can compromise systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or local network presence.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-78, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands. The attack pattern follows techniques documented in the ATT&CK framework under T1195 for supplying a malicious payload through ActiveX controls and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling the vulnerable ActiveX control, removing the i-Nav component from affected systems, and deploying application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized binaries. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains that might deliver exploit payloads through compromised websites. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in ActiveX development, particularly when handling file extraction and execution processes that could lead to privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution.