CVE-2009-3693 in LoadRunner
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the Persits.XUpload.2 ActiveX control (XUpload.ocx) in HP LoadRunner 9.5 allows remote attackers to create arbitrary files via \.. (backwards slash dot dot) sequences in the third argument to the MakeHttpRequest method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2025
The CVE-2009-3693 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Persits.XUpload.2 ActiveX control component of HP LoadRunner 9.5, specifically affecting the MakeHttpRequest method's third parameter handling. This vulnerability exposes a fundamental security weakness in how the ActiveX control processes file path inputs, creating an avenue for remote attackers to manipulate file system operations beyond the intended scope. The flaw manifests when the third argument to MakeHttpRequest contains backslash-dot-dot sequences, enabling attackers to traverse directory structures and create arbitrary files on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the XUpload.ocx ActiveX control, which fails to properly sanitize or normalize file path parameters before processing. When attackers supply malicious path sequences containing \.. components, the control interprets these as navigation commands rather than literal file path elements, allowing them to escape the intended directory boundaries. This represents a classic directory traversal attack vector that leverages the control's inadequate path resolution mechanisms and lack of proper access controls for file system operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file creation capabilities, as it enables attackers to potentially overwrite critical system files, install malicious software, or establish persistent access points within the target environment. Remote exploitation of this flaw requires no authentication or privileged access, making it particularly dangerous in web-based attack scenarios where the ActiveX control might be loaded through browser plugins or web applications. The vulnerability affects systems running HP LoadRunner 9.5 where the XUpload.ocx control is present and accessible, potentially compromising entire server environments if the control is improperly configured or exposed to untrusted network traffic.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses directory traversal flaws in software applications, and represents a common weakness in ActiveX controls that fail to implement proper input sanitization. The attack pattern corresponds to techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 sub-technique for scripting languages and T1566 for spearphishing attachments, as attackers often leverage ActiveX vulnerabilities through malicious web content. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers, restricting access to systems containing vulnerable components, and deploying network segmentation to limit potential attack surfaces. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when dealing with file system operations in client-side components that may be exposed to untrusted data sources.