CVE-2011-0925 in Secure Desktop
Summary
by MITRE
The CSDWebInstallerCtrl ActiveX control in CSDWebInstaller.ocx in Cisco Secure Desktop (CSD) allows remote attackers to download an unintended Cisco program onto a client machine, and execute this program, by identifying a Cisco program with a Cisco digital signature and then renaming this program to inst.exe, a different vulnerability than CVE-2010-0589 and CVE-2011-0926.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0925 represents a significant security flaw within Cisco Secure Desktop's CSDWebInstaller.ocx ActiveX control that enables remote code execution through unauthorized program installation. This vulnerability operates by exploiting the trust model inherent in digital signatures, where attackers can leverage a legitimate Cisco digital signature to mask malicious software installation. The control's improper validation mechanisms allow adversaries to manipulate the installation process by identifying a legitimate Cisco program, renaming it to inst.exe, and subsequently executing it on target systems. This technique demonstrates a sophisticated approach to bypassing security controls by leveraging the trust relationships established through digital signatures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper handling of file renaming operations within the ActiveX control. When the control processes installation requests, it fails to properly verify the integrity and authenticity of the target executable file beyond the digital signature check. This oversight creates a pathway for attackers to substitute legitimate Cisco binaries with malicious payloads while maintaining the appearance of legitimate software installation. The vulnerability specifically affects the CSDWebInstaller.ocx component, which is part of Cisco Secure Desktop's installation framework designed to manage security software deployment. The flaw operates at the application layer, leveraging the trust relationships established by Cisco's digital signature infrastructure to execute unauthorized code.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to perform remote code execution on vulnerable systems without requiring user interaction or elevated privileges. The ability to download and execute programs under the guise of legitimate Cisco software creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited for various malicious activities including data exfiltration, system compromise, and privilege escalation. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction since ActiveX controls are often automatically executed within web browsers, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may not be aware of the security implications. This flaw can be weaponized to deliver malware, backdoors, or other malicious payloads that persist on compromised systems and can be used for long-term unauthorized access.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and CWE-264 (Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls) as it demonstrates improper validation of file paths and access controls during software installation processes. It also maps to ATT&CK technique T1195.002 (Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment) and T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic) as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code through phishing campaigns or by embedding malicious ActiveX controls in web content. Organizations using Cisco Secure Desktop are particularly vulnerable since the control's installation process can be manipulated to install unauthorized software without proper user consent or awareness, creating a significant risk for enterprise security.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected Cisco Secure Desktop installations and implementing network-level restrictions on ActiveX control execution. Organizations should disable ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible and implement strict application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized software execution. The recommended approach includes updating to Cisco's latest security patches, disabling unnecessary ActiveX controls, and implementing network segmentation to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual installation patterns or unauthorized software execution attempts, particularly focusing on files renamed to inst.exe or similar patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable ActiveX control within the enterprise environment.