CVE-2012-1241 in ActiveScriptRuby
Summary
by MITRE
GRScript18.dll before 1.2.2.0 in ActiveScriptRuby (ASR) before 1.8.7 does not properly restrict interaction with an Internet Explorer ActiveX environment, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary Ruby code via a crafted HTML document.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1241 represents a critical security flaw in ActiveScriptRuby version 1.8.7 and earlier, specifically within the GRScript18.dll component. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and improper sandboxing mechanisms that govern how the ActiveScriptRuby library interacts with Internet Explorer's ActiveX environment. The flaw allows remote attackers to craft malicious HTML documents that can trigger arbitrary Ruby code execution on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability exists because the library fails to properly sanitize or validate script content when processed through Internet Explorer's ActiveX infrastructure, creating a dangerous pathway for code injection attacks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-74, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in data queries, and CWE-94, which covers inadequate control of generation of code. The flaw operates through a code injection vector where malicious Ruby code embedded within HTML documents can be executed when the document is loaded in Internet Explorer. This occurs because the ActiveScriptRuby library does not adequately separate the execution context of the Ruby scripts from the browser's ActiveX environment, allowing attackers to leverage the browser's privileges to execute arbitrary commands. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it exploits the trust relationship between Internet Explorer and ActiveX controls, enabling attackers to bypass standard browser security restrictions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations running vulnerable versions of ActiveScriptRuby, particularly those with users who may encounter malicious web content. The attack surface is broad as it can be triggered through any web browser that supports ActiveX and has ActiveScriptRuby installed. Attackers can craft phishing emails, malicious websites, or exploit existing web-based attack vectors to deliver the malicious HTML payloads. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow full system compromise, as the executed Ruby code operates with the privileges of the user running Internet Explorer. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Ruby script execution and T1203 for exploitation of web applications, demonstrating the multi-layered attack approach that can be employed.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to ActiveScriptRuby version 1.8.7 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed, disabling ActiveX controls in Internet Explorer for users who do not require them, and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious HTML content. Network segmentation and user education about phishing risks can also reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper sandboxing and input validation in component-based architectures, particularly those that interface with browser environments. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized script execution and monitor for suspicious Ruby code patterns in web environments. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of vulnerable ActiveScriptRuby installations within the organization's infrastructure.