CVE-2011-1207 in Rational System Architect
Summary
by MITRE
The ActiveBar1 ActiveX control in the Data Dynamics ActiveBar ActiveX controls, as distributed in ActBar.ocx 1.0.6.5 in IBM Rational System Architect 11.4.0.2, 11.4.0.1, and earlier, does not properly restrict the SetLayoutData method, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted Data argument, a different vulnerability than CVE-2007-3883. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-1207 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the ActiveBar1 ActiveX control component of IBM Rational System Architect software. This issue specifically affects the SetLayoutData method within the ActBar.ocx ActiveX control version 1.0.6.5 and earlier versions. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and parameter restriction mechanisms within the ActiveX control implementation, creating a dangerous attack surface that can be exploited by remote adversaries. The flaw is particularly concerning because ActiveX controls are designed to execute within web browsers and other host applications, making them prime targets for exploitation in web-based attack scenarios.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious attacker crafts a specially formatted Data argument that is passed to the vulnerable SetLayoutData method. This crafted input triggers a buffer overflow condition within the ActiveX control's memory management, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the compromised application. The vulnerability differs from CVE-2007-3883, indicating it represents a distinct code path or implementation flaw within the same product line. The buffer overflow mechanism typically involves stack-based or heap-based memory corruption that can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow, making this a classic example of a code execution vulnerability that falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable full system compromise when exploited in browser environments where ActiveX controls are enabled. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors within affected systems. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of IBM Rational System Architect, indicating a widespread exposure across the product's release history, and represents a significant risk to organizations that have not updated their systems. The fact that this vulnerability was discovered in a widely used enterprise software platform creates additional concerns about potential large-scale exploitation and the difficulty of comprehensive remediation across enterprise environments.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through patch management processes, as IBM has likely released security updates addressing this specific vulnerability. The mitigation strategy should include disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers when possible, implementing application whitelisting policies, and conducting thorough vulnerability assessments of all systems running affected software versions. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving exploit for code execution and privilege escalation, potentially enabling attackers to move laterally within networks and establish persistent access. Security teams should also consider monitoring for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and endpoint detection mechanisms that can identify suspicious ActiveX control usage patterns. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in component-based software development, particularly for controls that execute in untrusted environments such as web browsers.