CVE-2011-2404 in Easy Printer Care Software
Summary
by MITRE
A certain ActiveX control in HPTicketMgr.dll in HP Easy Printer Care Software 2.5 and earlier allows remote attackers to download an arbitrary program onto a client machine, and execute this program, via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2011-4786 and CVE-2011-4787.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2404 represents a critical security flaw within HP Easy Printer Care Software version 2.5 and earlier, specifically involving an ActiveX control embedded in the HPTicketMgr.dll component. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of software trust boundaries and client-side execution mechanisms, creating a pathway for remote attackers to compromise systems through seemingly legitimate software components. The ActiveX control architecture, designed to provide extended functionality within web browsers and client applications, becomes a vector for unauthorized code execution when properly exploited. The flaw enables attackers to remotely deliver and execute arbitrary programs on vulnerable client machines, fundamentally undermining the security model of client-side software deployment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the ActiveX control's handling of external program downloads and execution. When a user interacts with a compromised web page or application that loads the vulnerable ActiveX component, the control can be manipulated to download malicious payloads from remote servers and execute them with the privileges of the logged-in user. This represents a classic remote code execution vulnerability that leverages the trust relationship between web browsers and ActiveX controls. The vulnerability operates through unspecified vectors that likely involve improper input sanitization, inadequate access controls, or flawed security context handling within the HPTicketMgr.dll module. The control's ability to execute arbitrary programs without proper user consent or verification constitutes a fundamental breach of software security principles.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2404 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to compromised systems through the installed ActiveX control. This vulnerability enables threat actors to establish backdoors, deploy additional malware, or maintain long-term presence on target networks. The attack surface is particularly concerning because ActiveX controls are often automatically enabled in web browsers, especially in enterprise environments where users may not be security-aware. The vulnerability's relationship to other HP-related vulnerabilities such as CVE-2011-4786 and CVE-2011-4787 demonstrates a pattern of security weaknesses within the HP Easy Printer Care software suite, suggesting systematic issues in the software's security architecture and code review processes. Organizations running affected versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2404 require immediate action to address the vulnerable ActiveX control and related software components. System administrators should implement immediate patching of HP Easy Printer Care Software to version 2.6 or later, which contains fixes for this vulnerability. The remediation process should include complete removal of the vulnerable HPTicketMgr.dll component from affected systems, followed by proper software reinstallation with updated security measures. Network administrators should consider implementing browser security policies that restrict ActiveX control loading, particularly for untrusted websites. This aligns with defense-in-depth principles and represents a recommended approach for mitigating similar vulnerabilities categorized under CWE-431 and CWE-74. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable ActiveX controls or software components, as this vulnerability demonstrates a pattern of insecure software development practices that may exist elsewhere in the software ecosystem. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1195 for Supply Chain Compromise and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the threat and the need for comprehensive defensive measures.