CVE-2010-1517 in Dldrv2 ActiveX control
Summary
by MITRE
The GIGABYTE Dldrv2 ActiveX control 1.4.206.11 allows remote attackers to (1) download arbitrary programs onto a client system, and execute these programs, via vectors involving the dl method; and (2) download arbitrary programs onto a client system via vectors involving the SetDLInfo method in conjunction with the Bdl method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1517 affects the GIGABYTE Dldrv2 ActiveX control version 1.4.206.11 which is part of the Windows operating system environment. This particular ActiveX control is designed to facilitate software downloads and installations but contains critical security flaws that enable remote code execution capabilities. The vulnerability specifically targets the control's download functionality and represents a significant risk to client systems that have this component installed. The flaw exists within the control's implementation of methods that handle file downloads and execution processes, creating a pathway for attackers to exploit the system through web-based attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through two distinct attack vectors that leverage different methods within the ActiveX control. The first vector involves the dl method which allows remote attackers to download arbitrary programs onto client systems and subsequently execute these programs with the privileges of the user running the browser. The second vector utilizes the SetDLInfo method in combination with the Bdl method to achieve similar results. Both attack paths demonstrate a clear lack of proper input validation and sanitization within the control's implementation. This weakness enables attackers to craft malicious payloads that can bypass normal security restrictions and execute code directly on the target system. The vulnerability essentially allows for arbitrary code execution through the browser environment, making it particularly dangerous in web-based attack scenarios.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe security risk for organizations and individual users who have the affected GIGABYTE Dldrv2 ActiveX control installed. The ability to download and execute arbitrary programs remotely means that attackers can deploy malware, backdoors, or other malicious software without requiring local system access or user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and allows for privilege escalation attacks. The attack surface is significant since ActiveX controls are commonly used for legitimate software installation processes, making the exploitation more likely to succeed in real-world scenarios. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to systems, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within their networks through this vector.
The vulnerability aligns with several cybersecurity frameworks and threat modeling concepts, including CWE-74 which describes "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component" and CWE-94 which addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')." From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059 "Command and Scripting Interpreter" as attackers can leverage the control to execute arbitrary code. The attack chain typically involves initial compromise through a web browser, exploitation of the ActiveX control, and subsequent execution of malicious payloads. Mitigation strategies should include immediate removal of the vulnerable ActiveX control, updating system security policies to restrict ActiveX controls, and implementing network-based protections such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability by removing the affected GIGABYTE Dldrv2 ActiveX control from all affected systems. System administrators should implement strict controls over ActiveX installations and ensure that only trusted and verified ActiveX controls are allowed to execute. Browser security settings should be configured to disable ActiveX controls by default and require explicit user consent for their execution. Network monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect attempts to access the vulnerable methods within the control. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other ActiveX controls and browser plugins. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the dangers of legacy ActiveX controls that lack modern security features, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security updates and system hardening practices.