CVE-2009-3860 in COMRaider
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple insecure method vulnerabilities in Idefense Labs COMRaider allow remote attackers to create or overwrite arbitrary files via the (1) CreateFolder and (2) Copy methods. NOTE: this might only be a vulnerability in certain insecure configurations of Internet Explorer.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3860 represents a critical security flaw within Idefense Labs COMRaider component that exposes systems to remote file manipulation attacks. This vulnerability specifically affects the CreateFolder and Copy methods which are part of the COMRaider framework designed for security testing purposes. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and inadequate security controls within these methods, allowing malicious actors to exploit the functionality for unauthorized file operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the insecure handling of user-supplied data within the COM object interfaces. When the CreateFolder and Copy methods receive external input without proper sanitization, they can be coerced into performing operations outside their intended scope. Attackers can manipulate the parameters passed to these methods to specify arbitrary file paths, enabling them to create new files or overwrite existing ones on the target system. This represents a classic example of insecure direct object reference vulnerability where the application fails to validate that the requested operations are authorized.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file manipulation, as it can be leveraged for more sophisticated attack vectors. Remote attackers can use this vulnerability to plant malicious files on compromised systems, potentially leading to privilege escalation or persistent access. The vulnerability is particularly concerning when combined with other attack techniques, as it can serve as a foothold for further exploitation. The security implications are amplified by the fact that these methods can be invoked through Internet Explorer, making the attack surface broader and more accessible to threat actors.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and falls under the broader category of insecure method implementations in component-based applications. The attack vector typically follows the pattern described in the ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, where attackers leverage compromised applications to execute malicious operations. The insecure configuration of Internet Explorer mentioned in the description indicates that the vulnerability may require specific environmental conditions to be exploited successfully.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-3860 should focus on restricting access to the affected COM objects and implementing proper input validation controls. Organizations should disable or remove COMRaider components when not actively used for security testing, as these components are intended for controlled environments. Browser security settings should be configured to prevent automatic execution of potentially dangerous methods, and administrators should implement proper access controls that limit which users can invoke these methods. The recommended approach aligns with defense-in-depth principles and follows the principle of least privilege, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access the vulnerable functionality. Regular security assessments and patch management should be implemented to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other components.