CVE-2011-4042 in PcVue
Summary
by MITRE
An unspecified ActiveX control in SVUIGrd.ocx in ARC Informatique PcVue 6.0 through 10.0, FrontVue, and PlantVue allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by using a crafted HTML document to obtain control of a function pointer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4042 represents a critical security flaw within the ActiveX control ecosystem of ARC Informatique's PcVue software suite. This issue affects multiple versions spanning from PcVue 6.0 through 10.0, along with FrontVue and PlantVue applications that utilize the SVUIGrd.ocx ActiveX control. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of function pointers within the ActiveX control implementation, creating a dangerous attack surface that can be exploited by remote adversaries. The flaw specifically manifests when a maliciously crafted HTML document is loaded, enabling attackers to manipulate memory operations and gain unauthorized code execution privileges on affected systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent trust model of ActiveX controls within web browsers and Windows environments. When a user visits a malicious website hosting the crafted HTML document, the SVUIGrd.ocx control is loaded and executed within the browser context. The vulnerability occurs due to insufficient validation of function pointer values during control initialization or method invocation, allowing attackers to overwrite critical function pointers with addresses pointing to malicious code. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-119 weakness category, specifically related to improper restriction of operations within a memory buffer, and represents a classic buffer overflow scenario that has been adapted for function pointer manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Once successfully exploited, an attacker can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user, potentially leading to full system takeover, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms establishment. The widespread deployment of PcVue software in industrial control systems and SCADA environments makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as it could potentially affect critical infrastructure operations. The attack vector through web browsers means that exploitation can occur without requiring any specialized tools or local access, making it highly accessible to threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4042 should prioritize immediate patching of affected software versions, as no reliable workarounds exist for this type of vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of affected systems and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Browser security configurations should be hardened by disabling ActiveX controls or implementing strict security zones for ActiveX content. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of software supply chain security and proper code review processes, particularly for legacy applications that continue to use outdated ActiveX technologies. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for remote code execution and T1133 for external remote services, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures across multiple attack surface areas. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted ActiveX controls and regularly audit deployed software versions to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities.