CVE-2011-1036 in Internet Security Suite 2011
Summary
by MITRE
The XML Security Database Parser class in the XMLSecDB ActiveX control in the HIPSEngine component in the Management Server before 8.1.0.88, and the client before 1.6.450, in CA Host-Based Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS) 8.1, as used in CA Internet Security Suite (ISS) 2010, allows remote attackers to download an arbitrary program onto a client machine, and execute this program, via vectors involving the SetXml and Save methods.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1036 resides within the XML Security Database Parser class of the XMLSecDB ActiveX control component in CA Host-Based Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS) 8.1. This flaw affects both the Management Server and client components, specifically versions prior to 8.1.0.88 for the server and 1.6.450 for the client. The issue manifests through the improper handling of XML data within the ActiveX control, creating a significant security risk that can be exploited remotely by attackers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the client-side execution level, allowing adversaries to potentially compromise end-user systems through malicious XML content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insecure processing of XML data within the XMLSecDB ActiveX control. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious XML content that leverages the SetXml and Save methods of the vulnerable component. When these methods process untrusted XML input, the control fails to properly validate or sanitize the data, enabling arbitrary code execution on the client machine. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to bypass normal security restrictions and execute arbitrary programs on targeted systems, making it a critical remote code execution vulnerability. This flaw directly relates to CWE-74, which describes improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component, and specifically CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code or commands.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-1036 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it represents a complete compromise of client system security. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to download and execute malicious programs without user interaction or knowledge, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where HIPS is deployed. The vulnerability affects CA Internet Security Suite 2010 installations, which are widely used for endpoint protection, meaning that successful exploitation could lead to widespread compromise across multiple systems. The attack vector requires only the ability to send specially crafted XML content to a target system, making it relatively easy to exploit in practice. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in software, and represents a classic example of a client-side exploit that can be delivered through web-based attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1036 should focus on immediate patching of affected components to the latest versions where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems, particularly those running older versions of CA HIPS. Additionally, security administrators should monitor network traffic for suspicious XML content and implement application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized programs. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when dealing with ActiveX controls and XML processing components. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security layers such as host-based intrusion detection systems and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of their security infrastructure.