CVE-2010-3189 in Internet Security
Summary
by MITRE
The extSetOwner function in the UfProxyBrowserCtrl ActiveX control (UfPBCtrl.dll) in Trend Micro Internet Security Pro 2010 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an invalid address that is dereferenced as a pointer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3189 resides within the UfProxyBrowserCtrl ActiveX control component of Trend Micro Internet Security Pro 2010, specifically manifesting in the extSetOwner function. This ActiveX control represents a browser helper object designed to facilitate certain security operations within the Windows environment, but it contains a critical memory corruption flaw that can be exploited by remote attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the extSetOwner function, which fails to properly validate pointer addresses before dereferencing them, creating a classic buffer overflow scenario that can be leveraged for privilege escalation.
The technical flaw manifests when an attacker crafts a malicious input that exploits the pointer dereferencing mechanism within the UfPBCtrl.dll library. This allows the attacker to manipulate memory locations and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of an ActiveX control, which typically runs with elevated privileges when embedded in web browsers. This characteristic aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities. The attack vector requires remote exploitation, making it particularly concerning for web-based attack scenarios where users might unknowingly interact with malicious content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability can enable attackers to install malware, modify system configurations, or establish persistence mechanisms within the target environment. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can leverage the compromised ActiveX control to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The attack surface is particularly wide given that ActiveX controls are commonly enabled in Internet Explorer environments, making this vulnerability potentially exploitable across numerous enterprise and consumer systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3189 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates from Trend Micro, as well as implementing security controls to prevent ActiveX control execution in web browsers. Organizations should disable ActiveX controls in browser environments where they are not required, implement application whitelisting policies, and ensure that all systems are running patched versions of Trend Micro Internet Security Pro 2010. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts, while security awareness training can reduce the risk of users inadvertently triggering the vulnerability through malicious web content. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper pointer validation and memory management in software development, particularly for components that operate in privileged contexts and interact with user-provided data.