CVE-2006-6597 in HyperAccess
Summary
by MITRE
Argument injection vulnerability in HyperAccess 8.4 allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary vbscript and commands via the /r option in a telnet:// URI, which is configured to use hawin32.exe.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2018
The CVE-2006-6597 vulnerability represents a critical argument injection flaw in HyperAccess 8.4 software that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands through carefully crafted telnet URI schemes. This vulnerability specifically targets the /r option within telnet:// URIs and leverages the hawin32.exe component to facilitate command execution. The flaw operates by manipulating how the application processes command-line arguments when handling telnet connections, creating a pathway for malicious input to be interpreted as executable code rather than benign parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the HyperAccess application's URI parsing mechanism. When a user encounters a malicious telnet:// URI containing the /r option, the application fails to properly escape or validate the argument content before passing it to the underlying hawin32.exe process. This allows attackers to inject additional command parameters that get executed in the context of the target system. The vulnerability is classified as user-assisted remote execution since it requires user interaction to click on the malicious URI, but once triggered, it can execute arbitrary vbscript commands with the privileges of the affected user.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-6597 extends beyond simple command execution to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, deploy malware, or perform reconnaissance activities within the target environment. The vulnerability affects systems running HyperAccess 8.4 and can be exploited across various Windows platforms where the software is installed. Given that the attack vector involves URI manipulation, it can be delivered through email attachments, web pages, or social engineering campaigns, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently click on malicious links.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader attack frameworks such as the ATT&CK matrix, where it aligns with techniques involving command and scripting interpreters and social engineering. The vulnerability maps to CWE-77 in the Common Weakness Enumeration database, which specifically addresses command injection flaws in application input handling. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling or restricting telnet URI handlers, updating to patched versions of HyperAccess, and educating users about the risks of clicking untrusted URI links. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can provide additional defense layers to prevent exploitation even if users encounter malicious URIs. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure input validation and proper argument handling in client-side applications that process external data sources.