CVE-2012-4655 in Secure Desktop
Summary
by MITRE
The WebLaunch feature in Cisco Secure Desktop before 3.6.6020 does not properly validate binaries that are received by the downloader process, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via vectors involving (1) ActiveX or (2) Java components, aka Bug IDs CSCtz76128 and CSCtz78204.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4655 affects Cisco Secure Desktop versions prior to 3.6.6020 and specifically targets the WebLaunch feature implementation. This flaw represents a critical security weakness in the software's binary validation mechanisms, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability manifests through two primary attack vectors involving ActiveX and Java components, both of which are commonly exploited in enterprise security environments where such technologies are prevalent. The issue stems from insufficient input validation within the downloader process that handles binary components, allowing malicious payloads to bypass security controls and execute within the target system context.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent trust model of the WebLaunch feature, which assumes that downloaded binaries are legitimate and safe for execution. When attackers craft malicious ActiveX or Java components, they can manipulate the downloader process to accept these harmful binaries without proper validation checks. This weakness directly maps to CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and CWE-74, which covers injection flaws. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic privilege escalation pattern where an attacker with remote access can elevate their privileges to execute arbitrary code with the same permissions as the Secure Desktop application itself. The attacker does not need local system access or authentication credentials, as the vulnerability exists at the network level through the WebLaunch functionality.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations relying on Cisco Secure Desktop for secure remote access and desktop management. The attack surface extends across multiple deployment scenarios where ActiveX and Java applets are enabled, particularly in enterprise environments where these technologies remain prevalent for legacy application support. The impact includes potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive corporate information. The vulnerability affects the core security posture of the platform, as it undermines the fundamental assumption that the system can trust binaries received through its secure channels. Organizations using older versions of Cisco Secure Desktop face a high probability of exploitation, especially in environments where users have administrative privileges or where the software operates in high-security zones.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4655 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Cisco Secure Desktop installations to version 3.6.6020 or later, which contains the necessary validation improvements. Network administrators should implement strict firewall rules to limit access to the WebLaunch feature and restrict outbound connections from the Secure Desktop application. Additional protective measures include disabling ActiveX and Java components in the browser environments where Secure Desktop operates, implementing application whitelisting policies, and conducting regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and script interpreter usage, and T1106, covering execution through Windows Management Instrumentation, as attackers may leverage the compromised system to establish persistent access or escalate privileges. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous binary download patterns and unauthorized code execution attempts that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability.