CVE-2008-1786 in Computer Associates
Summary
by MITRE
The DSM gui_cm_ctrls ActiveX control (gui_cm_ctrls.ocx), as used in multiple CA products including BrightStor ARCServe Backup for Laptops and Desktops r11.5, Desktop Management Suite r11.1 through r11.2 C2; Unicenter r11.1 through r11.2 C2; and Desktop and Server Management r11.1 through r11.2 C2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted function arguments.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2024
The CVE-2008-1786 vulnerability represents a critical activeX control flaw in CA's DSM gui_cm_ctrls.ocx component that affects multiple enterprise backup and management products. This vulnerability exists within the BrightStor ARCServe Backup for Laptops and Desktops r11.5, Desktop Management Suite r11.1 through r11.2 C2, Unicenter r11.1 through r11.2 C2, and Desktop and Server Management r11.1 through r11.2 C2 platforms. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation within the ActiveX control's function argument handling mechanism, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the ActiveX control's failure to properly sanitize or validate function parameters passed to its internal methods. When maliciously crafted arguments are provided to the gui_cm_ctrls.ocx control, the control processes these inputs without adequate boundary checking or input validation, leading to potential buffer overflows or arbitrary code execution within the context of the user's privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write conditions. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely, allowing attackers to execute malicious code on vulnerable systems without requiring local access.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-1786 is significant for organizations using affected CA products, as it provides attackers with a potential entry point for system compromise. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable ActiveX control, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where backup and management systems are often critical infrastructure components with elevated privileges. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution and T1566 for phishing with social engineering techniques, as attackers would typically need to deliver malicious content to trigger the vulnerable ActiveX control.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling the vulnerable ActiveX control through browser security settings, implementing proper input validation for ActiveX controls, and applying available vendor patches. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help reduce the attack surface, while regular security assessments should verify the absence of vulnerable ActiveX controls in the enterprise environment. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper software lifecycle management and the need for vendors to implement secure coding practices that prevent buffer overflow conditions in ActiveX controls and other potentially vulnerable components. Regular security updates and vulnerability management processes should include specific checks for outdated ActiveX controls that may present similar security risks.