CVE-2008-1770 in Download Manager
Summary
by MITRE
CRLF injection vulnerability in Akamai Download Manager ActiveX control before 2.2.3.6 allows remote attackers to force the download and execution of arbitrary files via a URL parameter containing an encoded LF followed by a malicious target line.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2024
The CVE-2008-1770 vulnerability represents a critical CRLF (Carriage Return Line Feed) injection flaw within the Akamai Download Manager ActiveX control, a widely deployed component for content delivery and file management in enterprise environments. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 2.2.3.6 and demonstrates how ActiveX controls can become attack vectors when input validation mechanisms are insufficient. The flaw resides in the improper handling of URL parameters, where malicious actors can manipulate the input stream by injecting encoded line feed characters followed by crafted target lines. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-113 category, which addresses improper neutralization of CRLF characters in HTTP headers, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of ActiveX components. The security implications extend beyond simple data manipulation as this vulnerability directly enables arbitrary code execution through forced downloads.
The technical exploitation mechanism leverages the fundamental weakness in how the ActiveX control processes URL parameters containing encoded line feed characters. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL with encoded LF characters followed by a target line, the control fails to properly sanitize this input, allowing the injection of additional HTTP headers or command sequences. The vulnerability specifically targets the download manager's handling of URL parameters, where the control accepts user-supplied input without adequate validation or encoding. This flaw enables attackers to inject malicious commands that can force the download of arbitrary files from remote servers, potentially including malware payloads or malicious executables. The injection occurs at the protocol level where HTTP headers are constructed, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass standard security controls and directly manipulate the download process.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-1770 extends significantly within enterprise networks where ActiveX controls are prevalent, particularly in Windows-based environments where Akamai Download Manager is commonly deployed. Organizations using affected versions face substantial risk of unauthorized file downloads and potential system compromise through this vulnerability. Attackers can exploit this weakness to deliver malware payloads, including trojans, rootkits, or other malicious software, by forcing the download of compromised files from attacker-controlled servers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the browser level through ActiveX controls, bypassing many traditional web application firewalls and security controls that monitor HTTP traffic. Additionally, the attack requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage, making it highly effective for phishing campaigns and drive-by download attacks. This vulnerability represents a classic example of how legacy ActiveX components can pose significant security risks in modern enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1770 primarily focus on immediate remediation through software updates and comprehensive security hardening. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to Akamai Download Manager version 2.2.3.6 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Network administrators should implement strict input validation policies for all URL parameters and HTTP headers, particularly within environments where ActiveX controls are permitted. Security controls should include disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible, implementing content filtering solutions, and establishing network-based protections against suspicious download activities. The implementation of web application firewalls with signature-based detection for CRLF injection patterns can provide additional layers of protection. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other ActiveX components that may be vulnerable to similar injection attacks, as this represents a broader class of weaknesses in legacy browser components. Regular security awareness training for users regarding suspicious web content and the risks of ActiveX controls is essential for reducing exploitation success rates.