CVE-2008-2511 in Internet Security Suite Plus 2008
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the UmxEventCli.CachedAuditDataList.1 (aka UmxEventCliLib) ActiveX control in UmxEventCli.dll in CA Internet Security Suite 2008 allows remote attackers to create and overwrite arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the argument to the SaveToFile method. NOTE: this can be leveraged for code execution by writing to a Startup folder. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2024
The CVE-2008-2511 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the CA Internet Security Suite 2008, specifically affecting the UmxEventCli.CachedAuditDataList.1 ActiveX control. This vulnerability exists in the UmxEventCli.dll component and manifests through the SaveToFile method which fails to properly validate input parameters. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate file system operations by exploiting the .. (dot dot) sequence in method arguments, enabling them to traverse directories beyond the intended scope. This directory traversal capability directly violates security principles established in the CWE-22 category, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple file access, as it enables attackers to create and overwrite arbitrary files throughout the system, representing a fundamental breakdown in input validation and access control mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the SaveToFile method within the ActiveX control, where the .. sequence allows attackers to navigate upward in the directory structure. When an attacker provides a maliciously crafted argument containing directory traversal sequences, the vulnerable component fails to sanitize the input properly, leading to unauthorized file system modifications. This flaw directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Command Shell and T1074.001 for Data Staged, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistence through writing malicious payloads to system startup folders. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway creates a dangerous chain reaction where attackers can write malicious executables to locations like the Startup folder, ensuring persistent access to compromised systems. The underlying issue stems from insufficient validation of file paths, allowing attackers to bypass normal file system access controls and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable ActiveX control.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-2511 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with a straightforward path to system compromise and persistence. By leveraging the directory traversal capability, adversaries can write malicious files to system directories, particularly those that execute automatically during system startup, thereby establishing a foothold for long-term access. This vulnerability effectively undermines the security model of the targeted system, as it allows remote code execution through file system manipulation rather than requiring more complex exploitation techniques. The attack surface is particularly concerning because ActiveX controls are often automatically executed in web browsers, making this vulnerability exploitable through simple web-based attacks. The vulnerability's severity is compounded by the fact that it can be triggered remotely without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation campaigns. Organizations using CA Internet Security Suite 2008 face significant risk from this vulnerability, as it provides attackers with a reliable method for achieving persistent access and potentially escalating privileges within the compromised environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2511 should focus on immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves applying vendor patches or updates for CA Internet Security Suite 2008, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems running vulnerable ActiveX components, particularly in web-facing environments. Browser security configurations should be adjusted to disable ActiveX controls or restrict their execution to trusted sites only, as recommended in the OWASP ActiveX control security guidelines. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough security audits to identify and remove vulnerable ActiveX controls from production environments, implementing the principle of least privilege for file system access. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and the need for comprehensive security testing of third-party components, particularly those with elevated privileges such as ActiveX controls. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar issues in other legacy components, ensuring that the organization maintains a robust security posture against similar directory traversal vulnerabilities that may exist in other software components.