CVE-2006-3762 in ActiveX control
Summary
by MITRE
The Touch Control ActiveX control 2.0.0.55 allows remote attackers to read and possibly execute arbitrary files via a "file///" URI in the sPath parameter to the Execute function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3762 resides within the Touch Control ActiveX control version 2.0.0.55, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to exploit file system access and potentially execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the Execute function within the ActiveX control, where the sPath parameter fails to properly validate input containing "file///" URIs, creating a path traversal and arbitrary file access condition. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-74 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component, as the control does not adequately sanitize user-supplied URI paths before processing them. The security implications extend beyond simple file reading to include potential code execution capabilities, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in web environments where ActiveX controls are deployed.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URI using the "file///" protocol scheme within the sPath parameter of the Execute function. This specific URI format bypasses normal file system access controls and allows the ActiveX control to access files outside of its intended scope. The attack vector typically involves web pages or applications that invoke the Touch Control ActiveX component with user-controllable input, creating a scenario where an attacker can manipulate the sPath parameter to reference arbitrary files on the target system. The vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK technique T1059.005 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic, as it leverages ActiveX controls to execute commands through scripting interfaces. This particular exploit demonstrates the dangers of insufficient input validation in ActiveX controls and highlights the broader security risks associated with legacy ActiveX components that lack proper security boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-3762 extends across multiple security domains and affects systems running vulnerable versions of the Touch Control ActiveX control, particularly those in Windows environments where ActiveX controls are enabled. Organizations may experience unauthorized data access, potential privilege escalation, and remote code execution capabilities that could allow attackers to establish persistent access to affected systems. The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires a web-based attack surface where the vulnerable ActiveX control is loaded and executed, making it particularly relevant for enterprise environments with ActiveX-enabled browsers or applications that utilize this specific control. The risk assessment categorizes this vulnerability as high severity due to its potential for remote code execution and the widespread deployment of ActiveX controls in legacy enterprise applications. Systems that do not properly restrict ActiveX control execution or lack proper input validation mechanisms are particularly vulnerable to this class of attack.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-3762 should prioritize immediate remediation through software updates or patches provided by the vendor, as the vulnerability affects a specific version of the Touch Control ActiveX control. Organizations should implement strict ActiveX control security policies that disable or restrict the execution of untrusted ActiveX controls in web browsers and applications. Network-level protections should include firewall rules that block access to known vulnerable ActiveX control endpoints and implementation of web application firewalls that can detect and prevent malicious URI patterns. The recommended approach includes disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible, implementing strict input validation for all user-supplied parameters, and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate legacy ActiveX components. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that only permit execution of trusted ActiveX controls and regularly audit ActiveX control installations to remove unused or outdated components. The ATT&CK framework recommends implementing defensive measures such as application control and network segmentation to reduce the attack surface and limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities.