CVE-2011-1392 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 (1) Start, (2) PauseAndSave, (3) InsertMarker, and (4) InsertSoundToFBRAtMarker methods, 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-2011-1392 represents a critical security flaw within the Blueberry FlashBack ActiveX control component of IBM Rational Rhapsody and related software products. This vulnerability specifically affects the BB FlashBack Recorder.dll library that implements several key methods including Start, PauseAndSave, InsertMarker, and InsertSoundToFBRAtMarker. The flaw stems from improper implementation of these methods within the ActiveX control architecture, creating a potential attack surface that could be exploited by remote threat actors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-119, which addresses weaknesses in memory handling and improper implementation of security controls. The ActiveX control's failure to properly validate input parameters or implement adequate security boundaries in its method implementations creates opportunities for arbitrary code execution. Attackers can leverage unspecified vectors to manipulate the control's behavior and potentially gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable versions of the software. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because ActiveX controls operate with elevated privileges within Windows environments, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to escalate their privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant risk to enterprise environments that may be using outdated versions of IBM Rational Rhapsody or other products containing this vulnerable ActiveX control. Organizations running these applications face potential compromise through web-based attacks or malicious file delivery mechanisms that could trigger the vulnerable methods when the control is loaded in Internet Explorer or other browsers. The attack surface is further expanded by the widespread use of these development tools in enterprise settings, potentially affecting multiple systems across an organization's infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected software versions, particularly IBM Rational Rhapsody versions prior to 7.6.1. Security administrators should implement browser security controls to prevent automatic loading of ActiveX controls and consider disabling ActiveX support in web browsers where possible. The remediation process should include comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable versions of the software, along with network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should review their software deployment policies to ensure that only patched and verified versions of development tools are installed in production environments, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1203 for bypassing security controls through legitimate system tools.