CVE-2011-0331 in ScanServer ActiveX control
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the addOSPLext method in the Honeywell ScanServer ActiveX control 780.0.20.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted HTML document.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0331 represents a critical use-after-free flaw within the Honeywell ScanServer ActiveX control version 780.0.20.5. This particular vulnerability manifests in the addOSPLext method, which is a component designed to handle extended operating system plugin loading functionality. The flaw occurs when the ActiveX control processes specially crafted HTML documents that trigger memory management issues during object lifecycle handling. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited remotely through web-based attack vectors, making them accessible to threat actors without requiring local system access or physical presence.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices within the ActiveX control's object handling mechanisms. When the addOSPLext method processes input data from a malicious HTML document, it fails to properly validate or manage object references, leading to a scenario where freed memory locations are accessed after the original object has been destroyed. This use-after-free condition creates a predictable memory corruption state that attackers can leverage to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable ActiveX control. The vulnerability falls under CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software development practices, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for legitimate program execution and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly beyond simple code execution capabilities. Attackers can exploit this flaw to gain complete system compromise through the ActiveX control's elevated privileges, potentially leading to full network infiltration, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The remote exploitability means that organizations are vulnerable to attacks from anywhere on the internet, with no requirement for user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website or opening a compromised email attachment. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where ActiveX controls are often deployed for legitimate business purposes, creating a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by adversaries with minimal technical expertise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0331 should prioritize immediate remediation through official vendor patches or updates to the Honeywell ScanServer ActiveX control. Organizations must also implement comprehensive browser security configurations that disable ActiveX controls or restrict their execution to trusted sites only. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable ActiveX controls and implement mandatory patch management processes. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management in software development practices and underscores the need for regular security assessments of legacy components that may pose ongoing risks to organizational security postures.