CVE-2011-3007 in SaaS Endpoint Protection
Summary
by MITRE
The myCIOScn ActiveX control (myCIOScn.dll) in McAfee SaaS Endpoint Protection 5.2.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to write to arbitrary files by specifying an arbitrary filename in the MyCioScan.Scan.ReportFile parameter, as demonstrated by injecting script into a log file and executing arbitrary code using the MyCioScan.Scan.Start method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3007 resides within the myCIOScn ActiveX control component of McAfee SaaS Endpoint Protection version 5.2.1 and earlier. This ActiveX control represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to manipulate file system operations through improper input validation. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the MyCioScan.Scan.ReportFile parameter accepts arbitrary filenames without adequate sanitization, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged for remote code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate parameter validation within the ActiveX control's MyCioScan.Scan.Start method. When attackers specify malicious filenames through the ReportFile parameter, the control fails to properly validate or sanitize the input, allowing arbitrary file write operations to occur. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability creates a dangerous condition where an attacker can inject malicious content into log files or other system locations, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file manipulation, as it enables full remote code execution capabilities. Attackers can leverage this weakness to inject scripts or malicious code into log files that are subsequently processed by the system, creating a persistent threat vector. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through web-based attacks, making it particularly dangerous in environments where ActiveX controls are enabled. This attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploitation of web applications for remote code execution, and T1059, which covers execution through scripts and command-line interfaces.
The exploitation chain typically begins with an attacker crafting a malicious filename that gets processed through the vulnerable ReportFile parameter. Once the malicious file is written to disk, the attacker can then leverage the MyCioScan.Scan.Start method to execute arbitrary code, effectively gaining control over the affected system. This vulnerability demonstrates a critical flaw in input validation and privilege management within the McAfee security product, creating a potential backdoor for attackers to establish persistent access. The issue represents a significant concern for enterprise environments where McAfee SaaS Endpoint Protection is deployed, as it allows attackers to bypass traditional security controls and execute malicious payloads directly on endpoint systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the McAfee SaaS Endpoint Protection software to version 5.2.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this issue. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions to prevent access to potentially vulnerable ActiveX controls and consider disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible. The remediation process should include comprehensive system scanning to identify any potential exploitation attempts and monitoring for anomalous file creation patterns that might indicate successful exploitation. Additionally, security teams should review and update their incident response procedures to address potential compromise scenarios related to this vulnerability, ensuring that proper containment and recovery measures are in place to address any successful attacks that may have occurred.