CVE-2010-2583 in SSL-VPN End-Point Interrogator
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in SonicWALL SSL-VPN End-Point Interrogator/Installer ActiveX control (Aventail.EPInstaller) before 10.5.2 and 10.0.5 hotfix 3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via long (1) CabURL and (2) Location arguments to the Install3rdPartyComponent method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2583 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the SonicWALL SSL-VPN End-Point Interrogator/Installer ActiveX control known as Aventail.EPInstaller. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 10.5.2 and 10.0.5 hotfix 3, creating a significant security risk for organizations utilizing SonicWALL SSL-VPN solutions. The flaw manifests specifically within the Install3rdPartyComponent method of the ActiveX control, which processes two distinct parameters named CabURL and Location. These parameters are designed to accept URLs and location paths for third-party component installation but fail to properly validate input lengths, leading to memory corruption when excessively long strings are provided. The vulnerability operates through a classic stack buffer overflow mechanism where user-supplied data exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing adjacent memory to be overwritten with attacker-controlled data. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental weakness in software design that allows for arbitrary code execution. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it enables remote code execution, meaning that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter without requiring authentication or physical access to the target system. The implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation as the vulnerability can be leveraged to execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running the ActiveX control, typically the system user or administrator depending on the execution context. The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it can be exploited through web-based attacks, potentially allowing attackers to gain full control of affected systems, install malware, modify system configurations, or exfiltrate sensitive data. The vulnerability's remote exploitability makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where SSL-VPN solutions are commonly deployed for remote access, as it can be triggered through web browsers when users visit malicious websites or click on compromised links. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as the successful exploitation leads to code execution capabilities. The ActiveX control's design flaw allows for arbitrary code execution through the manipulation of parameters that should have been validated for length constraints, demonstrating poor input validation practices that are fundamental to secure coding principles. Organizations using SonicWALL SSL-VPN solutions must urgently apply the vendor-provided patches to address this vulnerability, as the window for exploitation remains open for unpatched systems. The vulnerability's classification as a stack-based buffer overflow places it within the category of memory corruption vulnerabilities that have historically been exploited for privilege escalation attacks and remote code execution scenarios. The specific nature of the flaw in the Aventail.EPInstaller ActiveX control highlights the risks associated with ActiveX controls in enterprise environments, particularly when they are not properly sandboxed or when they lack robust input validation mechanisms. Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability as part of their comprehensive vulnerability management strategies, ensuring that all ActiveX components are regularly updated and that appropriate network segmentation is implemented to limit potential attack surfaces. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal prerequisites beyond access to a vulnerable system, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools and increasing the overall risk to organizations that have not applied the necessary security patches. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security controls and the potential consequences of legacy software components that may not receive adequate security updates over time.