CVE-2006-3217 in JaguarEdit
Summary
by MITRE
JaguarEditControl (JEdit) ActiveX Control 1.1.0.20 and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information, such as the username and MAC and IP addresses, by setting the test field to certain values such as 2404 or 2790, then reading the information from the .JText field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3217 affects the JaguarEditControl ActiveX control version 1.1.0.20 and earlier, representing a significant security flaw in client-side software components that are commonly deployed in enterprise environments. This ActiveX control, designed for text editing functionality, exhibits a critical information disclosure weakness that can be exploited by remote attackers without authentication. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data within the control's internal processing mechanisms, creating a pathway for unauthorized information retrieval through crafted input values.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves manipulating the control's test field parameter with specific numeric values such as 2404 or 2790, which triggers the control to expose sensitive system information through the JText field. This behavior demonstrates a classic case of insecure data handling where the control fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters before processing them, leading to information leakage. The exposed information includes user credentials, network identifiers, and system-specific details that could be leveraged for further attacks. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-20, which addresses "Improper Input Validation," and represents a fundamental flaw in the control's security architecture that violates the principle of least privilege and information hiding.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked data could enable attackers to perform reconnaissance activities and potentially escalate their privileges within the target environment. The exposure of MAC addresses, IP addresses, and usernames provides attackers with valuable intelligence for crafting more sophisticated attacks, including network mapping, credential harvesting, and targeted exploitation attempts. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where ActiveX controls are enabled and trusted, which historically includes many corporate networks with legacy systems and outdated security configurations. The attack surface is broadened by the fact that ActiveX controls are often automatically executed in Internet Explorer environments without user consent, making exploitation particularly dangerous in unpatched corporate environments.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers, applying available patches from the vendor, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of all ActiveX components deployed in production environments. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers 'Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript', as the exploitation likely involves JavaScript-based manipulation of the ActiveX control. Security teams should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect anomalous patterns in information disclosure attempts and establish proper access controls to limit the exposure of sensitive data. Additionally, organizations should transition away from legacy ActiveX technologies in favor of more modern, secure web standards that provide better security boundaries and reduced attack surfaces.