CVE-2008-0313 in System Works
Summary
by MITRE
The ActiveDataInfo.LaunchProcess method in the SymAData.ActiveDataInfo.1 ActiveX control 2.7.0.1 in SYMADATA.DLL in multiple Symantec Norton products including Norton 360 1.0, AntiVirus 2006 through 2008, Internet Security 2006 through 2008, and System Works 2006 through 2008, does not properly determine the location of the AutoFix Tool, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a remote (1) WebDAV or (2) SMB share.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0313 represents a critical security flaw within Symantec's Norton product suite, specifically affecting versions of the ActiveX control ActiveDataInfo. This vulnerability resides in the SYMADATA.DLL component and impacts multiple Symantec security products including Norton 360, AntiVirus, Internet Security, and System Works across several versions from 2006 through 2008. The flaw manifests in the LaunchProcess method of the SymAData.ActiveDataInfo.1 ActiveX control, which fails to properly validate or determine the location of the AutoFix Tool, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and path resolution mechanisms within the ActiveX control. When the LaunchProcess method is invoked through a malicious WebDAV or SMB share, the control does not adequately verify the legitimacy of the AutoFix Tool location, allowing attackers to manipulate the execution flow. This misconfiguration creates a path traversal or arbitrary code execution scenario where remote adversaries can control which executable is launched, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability specifically affects the way the ActiveX control handles file paths and tool locations, making it particularly dangerous in web browser environments where ActiveX controls are automatically executed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it enables remote code execution without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where Symantec products are widely deployed. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by hosting malicious content on WebDAV or SMB shares, then persuading users to visit compromised web pages or access malicious network shares. The attack vector leverages the inherent trust that browsers place in ActiveX controls, allowing attackers to bypass traditional security measures. This vulnerability effectively undermines the security posture of affected Symantec products, potentially allowing attackers to install malware, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors on compromised systems.
Organizations affected by CVE-2008-0313 should immediately implement mitigations including disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers, applying available security patches from Symantec, and implementing network segmentation to limit access to potentially compromised systems. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a classic example of how ActiveX controls can be exploited when proper security controls are not implemented. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, demonstrating how attackers can leverage browser-based vulnerabilities to achieve remote code execution. The remediation process should include comprehensive system audits to identify and remove vulnerable ActiveX components, while network administrators should implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized WebDAV and SMB share access. Given the age of this vulnerability, organizations should consider migrating to more modern security solutions that do not rely on potentially insecure ActiveX technologies.