CVE-2011-1827 in Connectra Ngx
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple unspecified vulnerabilities in Check Point SSL Network Extender (SNX), SecureWorkSpace, and Endpoint Security On-Demand, as distributed by SecurePlatform, IPSO6, Connectra, and VSX, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via vectors involving a (1) ActiveX control or (2) Java applet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1827 represents a critical security flaw affecting multiple Check Point security products including SSL Network Extender (SNX), SecureWorkSpace, and Endpoint Security On-Demand. These products are designed to provide secure remote access and endpoint protection within enterprise networks, making them attractive targets for malicious actors seeking to compromise organizational security postures. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the affected components, specifically within their ActiveX control and Java applet implementations.
The technical flaw manifests through two primary attack vectors that leverage browser-based exploitation techniques. The first vector involves malicious ActiveX controls that can be loaded and executed within Windows environments where the affected Check Point software is installed. The second vector utilizes Java applets that can be executed within web browsers when users interact with compromised web interfaces or download malicious content. Both attack vectors exploit the fundamental principle of code execution through untrusted input, where user-supplied data is not properly validated or sanitized before being processed by the vulnerable components. This weakness directly corresponds to CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and CWE-77, which addresses "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')".
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations relying on Check Point security infrastructure. Remote attackers can leverage these vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected system, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within the network. The attack surface is particularly concerning because these products are typically deployed in environments where they need to interact with end-user browsers and systems, making them accessible to attackers through standard web-based attack vectors. Once exploited, attackers can establish persistent access, install backdoors, modify system configurations, or use the compromised systems as launching points for further attacks against internal network resources.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling ActiveX controls and Java applets in web browsers when accessing Check Point products, applying available vendor patches and updates, and implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and proper input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically addressing techniques related to code injection and privilege escalation. Security teams should also consider implementing network monitoring and anomaly detection to identify potential exploitation attempts, while maintaining comprehensive incident response procedures to address potential compromise of these critical security infrastructure components.