CVE-2011-2658 in ZENworks Configuration Management
Summary
by MITRE
The ISList.ISAvi ActiveX control in AdminStudio in Novell ZENworks Configuration Management (ZCM) 10.2, 10.3, and 11 SP1 provides access to the mscomct2.ocx file, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by leveraging unspecified mscomct2 flaws.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2018
The CVE-2011-2658 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Novell ZENworks Configuration Management versions 10.2, 10.3, and 11 SP1. This vulnerability specifically targets the ISList.ISAvi ActiveX control which is part of the AdminStudio component within the ZENworks suite. The flaw arises from the control's improper handling of the mscomct2.ocx file, a Microsoft Common Controls ActiveX library that provides various user interface elements. When exploited, this vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems with the privileges of the user running the application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the ISList.ISAvi ActiveX control's insecure interaction with the mscomct2.ocx component, which contains unspecified flaws that can be leveraged for code execution. This represents a classic ActiveX vulnerability where the control fails to properly validate input parameters or handle object instantiation, creating an attack surface that remote adversaries can exploit through specially crafted web content or malicious files. The vulnerability falls under CWE-119 Improper Restriction of Operations within the Memory Buffer, as it involves memory corruption through improper handling of ActiveX objects. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be triggered remotely without requiring user interaction, making it suitable for automated exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2658 is severe for organizations using affected Novell ZENworks versions, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access, data theft, system takeover, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects enterprise environments where ZENworks Configuration Management is deployed for software distribution and system management, creating significant risk for organizations relying on this platform for IT infrastructure management. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it can be delivered through web browsers or email attachments, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may encounter malicious content.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers, applying available patches from Novell, and implementing network segmentation to limit the attack surface. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it targets a public-facing component of the ZENworks management platform. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for suspicious ActiveX activity. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices when developing ActiveX controls, as highlighted in the CWE guidelines for preventing memory corruption vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other ActiveX components within the organization's IT infrastructure.