CVE-2010-0589 in Secure Desktop
Summary
by MITRE
The Web Install ActiveX control (CSDWebInstaller) in Cisco Secure Desktop (CSD) before 3.5.841 does not properly verify the signatures of downloaded programs, which allows remote attackers to force the download and execution of arbitrary files via a crafted web page, aka Bug ID CSCta25876.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-0589 represents a critical security flaw in Cisco Secure Desktop's Web Install ActiveX control, specifically within the CSDWebInstaller component. This issue affects versions prior to 3.5.841 and demonstrates a fundamental failure in code signing verification mechanisms that are essential for maintaining software integrity and preventing unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that exploits the trust model inherent in ActiveX controls, which are typically used to extend browser functionality with rich client-side applications. The flaw allows malicious actors to manipulate the download process by crafting specially designed web pages that can bypass the normal signature verification procedures that should prevent execution of untrusted code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate cryptographic validation within the ActiveX control's code signature verification process. When users browse to web pages containing malicious content, the CSDWebInstaller control fails to properly validate digital signatures of downloaded executables, creating a path for attackers to inject arbitrary code into the target system. This weakness directly relates to CWE-313, which addresses the improper handling of cryptographic signatures and certificates in software components. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that ActiveX controls operate with elevated privileges in the user's security context, allowing successful exploitation to result in complete system compromise without requiring additional privilege escalation. The attack mechanism leverages the trust relationship between the browser and ActiveX controls, which assumes that any code executed within this environment has been properly authenticated and verified by the software vendor.
Operationally, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations deploying Cisco Secure Desktop solutions, as it enables remote code execution attacks that can be delivered through standard web browsing activities. Attackers can construct malicious web pages that appear legitimate to users while silently downloading and executing harmful payloads, potentially including malware, backdoors, or additional exploit components. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a compromised webpage, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter malicious content through phishing campaigns, compromised websites, or social engineering tactics. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1193, which describes the use of malicious web content to execute code on target systems, and T1059, which covers the execution of malicious code through various attack vectors including ActiveX controls and browser-based exploits.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0589 must focus on immediate patching of affected Cisco Secure Desktop installations to version 3.5.841 or later, which contains the necessary signature verification improvements. Organizations should also implement network-level controls to block access to known malicious domains and content, while disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible. Security administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected versions of Cisco Secure Desktop and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual download patterns or attempts to execute unsigned code, as these activities may indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patched environments to ensure that legitimate functionality remains intact while the security vulnerability is properly addressed.