CVE-2007-4062 in Vulnerability Scanner
Summary
by MITRE
The SCANCTRL.ScanCtrlCtrl.1 ActiveX control in scan.dll in Nessus Vulnerability Scanner 3.0.6 allows remote attackers to delete arbitrary files via unspecified vectors involving the deleteNessusRC method, probably a directory traversal vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2021
The CVE-2007-4062 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the SCANCTRL.ScanCtrlCtrl.1 ActiveX control component of Nessus Vulnerability Scanner version 3.0.6. This vulnerability exists in the scan.dll library and specifically affects the deleteNessusRC method which handles file deletion operations. The issue stems from improper input validation and inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data passed to the ActiveX control, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate file system operations beyond intended boundaries. The vulnerability's classification as a directory traversal attack aligns with CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the deleteNessusRC method within the ActiveX control, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary file paths for deletion. When the vulnerable ActiveX control processes user input containing malicious path sequences such as ../ or ..\, it fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs before executing file deletion operations. This flaw enables attackers to traverse the file system hierarchy and target files outside the intended directory scope, potentially leading to the deletion of critical system files, configuration files, or sensitive data. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit this issue without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-4062 extends beyond simple file deletion, as it represents a fundamental security flaw that can lead to complete system compromise. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could potentially delete essential system files, configuration databases, or security-related components within the Nessus scanner environment, effectively disabling the vulnerability assessment capabilities or causing system instability. The vulnerability also creates potential for privilege escalation scenarios, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to manipulate the scanner's operational environment and potentially gain elevated privileges. This weakness directly violates the principle of least privilege and represents a significant breach in the security model of the Nessus scanner platform, as it allows unauthorized file system manipulation through a remote interface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4062 should prioritize immediate patching of the Nessus Vulnerability Scanner to version 3.0.7 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the directory traversal vulnerability. System administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit access to Nessus scanner components and restrict ActiveX control usage to trusted environments only. Additional defensive measures include disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible, implementing strict input validation at network boundaries, and monitoring for suspicious file deletion patterns in system logs. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Scripting, as exploitation often involves scripting or automation of malicious file operations. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of vulnerable ActiveX components and ensure that all security patches are applied promptly to maintain system integrity. The remediation process should include comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential compromise from prior exploitation attempts and verification that the patched environment properly handles file system operations without allowing unauthorized traversal.