CVE-2011-0330 in DellSystemLite.Scanner ActiveX control
Summary
by MITRE
The Dell DellSystemLite.Scanner ActiveX control in DellSystemLite.ocx 1.0.0.0 does not properly restrict the values of the WMIAttributesOfInterest property, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary WMI Query Language (WQL) statements via a crafted value, as demonstrated by a value that triggers disclosure of information about installed software.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0330 resides within the DellSystemLite.Scanner ActiveX control, specifically in the DellSystemLite.ocx component version 1.0.0.0. This ActiveX control is part of Dell's system management software suite designed to facilitate system monitoring and information gathering. The flaw manifests in the WMIAttributesOfInterest property which fails to properly validate or sanitize input values, creating a path for malicious exploitation. This vulnerability represents a classic example of insufficient input validation that can lead to arbitrary code execution through manipulation of underlying system interfaces. The issue falls under CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and demonstrates how ActiveX controls can become attack vectors when not properly secured against user-supplied data manipulation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious value for the WMIAttributesOfInterest property that contains specially formatted WQL statements. When the ActiveX control processes this malformed input, it executes the embedded WQL queries against the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) subsystem without proper sanitization. This allows threat actors to perform unauthorized queries against system information repositories, potentially accessing sensitive data about installed software, system configuration details, and other system attributes. The WMI subsystem provides rich access to system information, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can expose system internals that should remain protected. This behavior aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on WMI for information gathering and potential further exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to gather detailed system intelligence that can inform subsequent attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can obtain comprehensive information about installed software packages, system resources, and configuration settings that would normally be restricted to authorized administrators. This intelligence can be used to craft more sophisticated attacks targeting specific software versions or system configurations. The vulnerability affects systems running the vulnerable DellSystemLite.ocx component, typically those with Dell management software installed, and can be exploited remotely through web browsers or other applications that load ActiveX controls. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that ActiveX controls often run with elevated privileges and have direct access to system resources, making this a significant risk for enterprise environments where system monitoring tools are commonly deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0330 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The primary recommendation involves updating to patched versions of the DellSystemLite component or removing the vulnerable ActiveX control from systems where it is not essential. Organizations should also implement browser security policies that restrict ActiveX control loading or disable ActiveX entirely in environments where it is not required. Network-level protections such as firewall rules that block access to vulnerable systems and intrusion detection systems that monitor for suspicious WQL query patterns can provide additional defense layers. From a compliance standpoint, this vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining updated system management tools and following secure coding practices for ActiveX components. The issue demonstrates why organizations should regularly audit their installed software for known vulnerabilities and maintain current patch management procedures to prevent exploitation of such flaws that can provide attackers with system reconnaissance capabilities.