CVE-2011-1744 in Captiva eInput
Summary
by MITRE
EMC Captiva eInput 2.1.1 before 2.1.1.37 does not restrict the origin of calls to ActiveX functions, which allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files or cause a denial of service via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1744 affects EMC Captiva eInput 2.1.1 before version 2.1.1.37, representing a critical security flaw in the ActiveX component implementation. This vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of call origins to ActiveX functions, creating a dangerous attack surface that enables remote exploitation. The flaw exists within the client-side ActiveX control architecture, where proper origin checking mechanisms are either absent or inadequately implemented, allowing malicious web pages to invoke ActiveX functions from unauthorized sources.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses inadequate access control mechanisms, and specifically relates to improper restriction of operations within a recognized security scope. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious websites that leverage the vulnerable ActiveX control to perform unauthorized operations on the target system. The vulnerability enables two primary attack vectors: arbitrary file reading capabilities that allow attackers to access sensitive data stored on the compromised system, and denial of service conditions that can render the application or system unusable. The ActiveX control's design fails to properly validate the calling context, permitting remote code execution through crafted web content that triggers unauthorized function calls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited across various network environments where the vulnerable software is installed. Organizations using EMC Captiva eInput in enterprise settings face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and operational disruption. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers need only convince a user to visit a malicious website to potentially gain access to sensitive system information or cause service interruptions. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in corporate environments where users may inadvertently browse to compromised sites or where social engineering attacks are common.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including mandatory software updates to version 2.1.1.37 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the ActiveX origin validation issue. Network segmentation and browser security controls can provide additional layers of protection by limiting exposure to potentially malicious content. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when implementing ActiveX controls that interact with system resources. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable software and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to prevent similar issues in the future. This vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing risks associated with legacy ActiveX technologies and the critical need for modern security architectures that avoid such dangerous client-side code execution patterns.