CVE-2011-2590 in UUPlayer ActiveX control
Summary
by MITRE
The Play method in the UUPlayer ActiveX control 6.0.0.1 in UUSee 2010 6.11.0609.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary programs via a UNC share pathname in the MPlayerPath parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2590 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the UUPlayer ActiveX control version 6.0.0.1, which is part of the UUSee 2010 6.11.0609.2 multimedia suite. This vulnerability exists in the Play method of the ActiveX control and demonstrates a classic path traversal and command injection weakness that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The flaw specifically manifests when the MPlayerPath parameter contains a UNC (Universal Naming Convention) share pathname, which allows attackers to specify network paths that the application processes without proper validation or sanitization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the ActiveX control's Play method. When a UNC path is provided in the MPlayerPath parameter, the control fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before using it in system calls or file operations. This creates an environment where attacker-controlled network paths can be executed as part of the multimedia playback process, effectively allowing remote code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the trusted ActiveX control mechanism, which typically runs with elevated privileges in the context of the user's browser session. This weakness aligns with CWE-78 and CWE-20 categories, representing command injection and input validation flaws respectively, both of which are fundamental security concerns in software development practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise when exploited. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malware, establish backdoors, or perform further reconnaissance within the victim's network. The attack vector requires minimal user interaction, as the vulnerability can be triggered through web-based attacks that deliver malicious URLs containing the crafted UNC paths. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where ActiveX controls are often enabled by default, and users may browse untrusted websites. The threat model for this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques such as T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution), as it enables attackers to execute commands through legitimate system interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2590 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling or removing the vulnerable UUPlayer ActiveX control from affected systems, as the control is no longer supported or updated. Organizations should implement browser security policies that restrict ActiveX control loading or disable ActiveX altogether in web browsers where possible. Network-level mitigations include implementing firewall rules that block access to UNC shares from user workstations and employing application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of unauthorized binaries. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when handling user-supplied data in system-level operations. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of all ActiveX controls and browser plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities, as this represents a broader class of issues affecting legacy multimedia software components. Additionally, regular patch management and software updates should be enforced to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities, while user education about dangerous web browsing practices remains crucial for reducing attack surface exposure.