CVE-2011-0329 in DellSystemLite.Scanner ActiveX control
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the GetData method in the Dell DellSystemLite.Scanner ActiveX control in DellSystemLite.ocx 1.0.0.0 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via directory traversal sequences in the fileID parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0329 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within Dell's DellSystemLite.Scanner ActiveX control, specifically affecting version 1.0.0.0 of the DellSystemLite.ocx component. This vulnerability resides in the GetData method of the ActiveX control, which processes fileID parameters without adequate input validation or sanitization. The flaw enables remote attackers to exploit the component by crafting malicious directory traversal sequences within the fileID parameter, thereby gaining unauthorized access to arbitrary files on the target system. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where ActiveX controls are often deployed with elevated privileges, potentially allowing attackers to access sensitive system files, configuration data, or user information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate parameter validation within the GetData method, which fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before processing file paths. When an attacker submits a malicious fileID parameter containing directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar constructs, the ActiveX control processes these sequences without proper bounds checking or path validation. This allows the control to navigate outside its intended directory scope and access files that should remain restricted. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The weakness exists at the interface between user input and file system operations, where insufficient validation permits malicious path manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0329 extends beyond simple file access, potentially enabling attackers to perform reconnaissance, escalate privileges, or extract sensitive information from compromised systems. In environments where DellSystemLite.Scanner is deployed, particularly in enterprise settings with ActiveX controls enabled, attackers could exploit this vulnerability to access system configuration files, user data, or even credentials stored in accessible locations. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require local system access, making it particularly dangerous for web-based applications or services that utilize this ActiveX control. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as the attack often involves web-based exploitation using JavaScript to interact with the vulnerable ActiveX control. The impact is compounded by the fact that ActiveX controls often run with elevated privileges, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code or access restricted system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0329 should focus on immediate remediation through patching or replacement of the vulnerable DellSystemLite.Scanner ActiveX control. Organizations should disable ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible, particularly in environments where they are not required for business operations. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of systems running vulnerable ActiveX components. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization within applications that interact with file system operations can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious file access patterns and ActiveX control usage that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper privilege management and the need for comprehensive application security testing, particularly for components that interface with file system operations or handle user-supplied data. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls or similar controls to detect and prevent directory traversal attempts in web applications that may interact with vulnerable ActiveX controls.