CVE-2011-3828 in DVR Remote ActiveX control
Summary
by MITRE
DVRemoteAx.ax 2.1.0.39 in the DVR Remote ActiveX control allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted DVRobot.dll file in a manifest directory on a web server.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3828 represents a critical security flaw in the DVR Remote ActiveX control version 2.1.0.39 which exposes systems to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically affects the DVRemoteAx.ax component that is part of the DVR Remote software suite, creating a dangerous attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors without requiring local system access. The flaw stems from improper input validation and unsafe handling of dynamic library loading within the ActiveX control implementation, allowing attackers to manipulate the software's behavior through malicious file placement.
The technical exploitation mechanism relies on the ActiveX control's failure to properly validate or sanitize the DVRobot.dll file that is loaded from a web server's manifest directory. When the vulnerable ActiveX control processes a crafted manifest file containing a malicious DVRobot.dll reference, it loads and executes arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the browser. This represents a classic case of insecure dynamic code loading where the control does not verify the integrity or authenticity of the dynamically loaded components. The vulnerability manifests through a combination of unsafe ActiveX behavior and web server configuration issues that allow attackers to host malicious DLL files in accessible directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, steal sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other network resources. The attack vector requires minimal user interaction, typically involving the user visiting a malicious website that hosts the exploit, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or targeted attacks. The vulnerability affects systems running vulnerable versions of the DVR Remote software, potentially impacting security monitoring systems, surveillance infrastructure, and enterprise networks that utilize this technology.
Security practitioners should implement multiple layers of mitigation to address this vulnerability including immediate patching of affected systems, disabling ActiveX controls in browser environments, and implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious manifest file requests. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-436, which addresses improper interpretation of security attributes, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1195.001 for the use of ActiveX controls in exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that prevent execution of unsigned or untrusted DLL files, while monitoring for unusual network activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable ActiveX control in the environment.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the ongoing challenges associated with legacy ActiveX controls and their continued presence in enterprise environments despite known security risks. This case demonstrates how outdated software components can create persistent attack surfaces that remain exploitable for years after their initial discovery, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive software inventory management and regular security updates. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that ActiveX controls, while providing certain functional capabilities, introduce significant security risks that must be carefully managed through proper configuration, monitoring, and eventual retirement from production environments.