CVE-2006-4704 in Visual Studio .net
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-zone scripting vulnerability in the WMI Object Broker (WMIScriptUtils.WMIObjectBroker2) ActiveX control (WmiScriptUtils.dll) in Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 allows remote attackers to bypass Internet zone restrictions and execute arbitrary code by instantiating dangerous objects, aka "WMI Object Broker Vulnerability."
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2026
The CVE-2006-4704 vulnerability represents a critical cross-zone scripting flaw within Microsoft Visual Studio 2005's WMI Object Broker ActiveX control, specifically the WMIScriptUtils.WMIObjectBroker2 component in WmiScriptUtils.dll. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of security boundaries within the Windows Management Instrumentation framework, creating a pathway for attackers to circumvent Internet zone security restrictions that are fundamental to protecting users from malicious code execution. The flaw exists in the ActiveX control's object instantiation mechanisms, which fail to properly enforce zone security policies when processing WMI-related objects, allowing code from restricted zones to execute with elevated privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the attacker's ability to instantiate dangerous objects through the vulnerable ActiveX control, bypassing the normal security boundaries that separate trusted and untrusted code execution contexts. This cross-zone scripting capability enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems by leveraging the ActiveX control's improper handling of WMI objects, effectively allowing malicious code from the Internet zone to operate with the privileges and access rights of the local zone. The vulnerability specifically affects systems running Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 and the associated WmiScriptUtils.dll component, where the control fails to validate the security context of incoming WMI object requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a means to escalate privileges and potentially gain full system compromise. The ability to bypass zone restrictions means that malicious ActiveX content delivered through web pages could execute with local system privileges, creating opportunities for data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and persistent access. This vulnerability directly impacts the security model of Internet Explorer and other applications that utilize the WMI Object Broker for system management tasks, undermining the fundamental security assumptions of zone-based protection mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Visual Studio 2005 might be installed on development or administrative systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4704 should focus on immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as well as implementing additional security measures to prevent exploitation. Organizations should disable the vulnerable ActiveX control through Group Policy settings or browser security configurations, and consider implementing application whitelisting to prevent execution of untrusted ActiveX components. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through scripting languages, particularly in the context of ActiveX-based attacks. System administrators should also monitor for suspicious WMI activity and implement network-based intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. The recommended approach includes disabling the vulnerable component entirely and ensuring all systems are updated with the appropriate Microsoft security patches to prevent successful exploitation attempts.