CVE-2011-3478 in pcAnywhere
Summary
by MITRE
The host-services component in Symantec pcAnywhere 12.5.x through 12.5.3, and IT Management Suite pcAnywhere Solution 7.0 (aka 12.5.x) and 7.1 (aka 12.6.x), does not properly filter login and authentication data, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted session on TCP port 5631.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3478 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within Symantec pcAnywhere software versions 12.5.x through 12.5.3 and related IT Management Suite solutions. This weakness resides in the host-services component that handles session management and user authentication processes, creating an avenue for remote code execution through improper input validation. The vulnerability specifically affects TCP port 5631 which serves as the primary communication channel for pcAnywhere sessions, making it a prime target for exploitation by malicious actors.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate filtering mechanisms within the authentication data processing pipeline. When legitimate users attempt to establish sessions through the affected software, the system fails to properly sanitize and validate login credentials and authentication parameters before processing them. This insufficient input validation creates a condition where specially crafted malicious data can bypass normal authentication procedures and gain unauthorized access to the system. The flaw operates at the application layer, specifically within the session establishment protocols that govern how pcAnywhere manages remote connections and user verification processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that can fundamentally compromise system integrity and data confidentiality. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can establish malicious sessions through TCP port 5631 without proper authentication, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within network environments. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where pcAnywhere is deployed for remote system management, as it provides attackers with persistent access to critical infrastructure without detection. The exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in large-scale deployments.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to restrict access to TCP port 5631, deployment of network access control measures, and application-level firewall rules to prevent unauthorized connections. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to patched versions of Symantec pcAnywhere software that properly implement input validation and authentication filtering mechanisms. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive network scans to identify any active pcAnywhere installations and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and maps to ATT&CK techniques involving remote access and privilege escalation. Organizations should consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing this class of vulnerability.