CVE-2011-1391 in BB FlashBack
Summary
by MITRE
The Blueberry FlashBack ActiveX control in BB FlashBack Recorder.dll in Blueberry BB FlashBack, as used in IBM Rational Rhapsody before 7.6.1 and other products, does not properly implement the InsertMarker method, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1391 represents a critical security flaw within the Blueberry FlashBack ActiveX control component BB FlashBack Recorder.dll. This control is integrated into various software products including IBM Rational Rhapsody versions prior to 7.6.1 and other applications that utilize the Blueberry FlashBack recording functionality. The vulnerability specifically resides in the improper implementation of the InsertMarker method, which constitutes a fundamental security weakness in the ActiveX control's design and execution mechanisms. ActiveX controls are inherently risky components that operate with elevated privileges on windows systems, making any flaws within their implementation particularly dangerous for potential attackers seeking to exploit them for unauthorized code execution.
The technical implementation flaw in the InsertMarker method creates a pathway for remote code execution attacks that can be leveraged by malicious actors without requiring local system access or user interaction. This vulnerability operates at the core level of the ActiveX control's functionality, where the method fails to properly validate input parameters or implement adequate security checks before processing user-supplied data. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description indicate that attackers can potentially exploit this weakness through various attack surfaces including web browsers, email attachments, or malicious websites that load the vulnerable ActiveX control. This lack of specific vector details actually increases the severity as it suggests multiple possible exploitation paths and makes defensive measures more challenging to implement effectively.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable application, which typically includes elevated system permissions due to the nature of ActiveX controls. This can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or the installation of additional malicious software. The vulnerability affects a wide range of products that incorporate the Blueberry FlashBack technology, making it particularly dangerous as it could impact numerous enterprise environments and development tools that rely on these recording functionalities for documentation and training purposes. Organizations using affected versions of IBM Rational Rhapsody and similar products face significant risk of targeted attacks that could result in intellectual property theft or system infiltration.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate remediation through software updates and patches provided by the vendors. Organizations should prioritize updating to IBM Rational Rhapsody version 7.6.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this ActiveX control implementation issue. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing browser security policies that restrict or disable ActiveX controls in web environments, particularly in enterprise settings where users may encounter potentially malicious content. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which addresses improper restriction of operations within a limited context, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1195.002 for the exploitation of ActiveX controls. Network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious ActiveX control loading activities should also be implemented as part of comprehensive defensive measures. System administrators must also consider disabling the vulnerable ActiveX control entirely if its functionality is not essential for business operations, as this provides the most effective protection against exploitation attempts.