CVE-2012-5896 in InTrust
Summary
by MITRE
The Annotation Objects Extension ActiveX control in AnnotateX.dll in Quest InTrust 10.4.0.853 and earlier does not properly implement the Add method, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a memory address in the first argument, related to an "uninitialized pointer."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-5896 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the Annotation Objects Extension ActiveX control of Quest InTrust software. This flaw exists in the AnnotateX.dll component version 10.4.0.853 and earlier, where the Add method fails to properly validate or initialize memory pointers before processing user-supplied data. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices that allow attackers to manipulate the first argument of the Add method to point to arbitrary memory addresses, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged for remote code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-476, which describes NULL pointer dereference conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw occurs when the ActiveX control processes the Add method without proper validation of the input parameters, specifically the memory address provided in the first argument. Attackers can craft malicious input that causes the control to dereference an uninitialized pointer, leading to memory corruption and potential code execution at the privilege level of the affected application. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in ActiveX contexts where controls are designed to run with elevated privileges in web browsers and other host applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within enterprise environments. The Quest InTrust product is commonly used for audit and compliance purposes, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking persistent access to sensitive systems. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running affected versions of Quest InTrust, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects systems where the ActiveX control is registered and accessible, typically in Windows environments with Internet Explorer or other ActiveX-compatible browsers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5896 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the vendor-provided security updates. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to systems running Quest InTrust and consider disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible. The vulnerability can be addressed through the principle of least privilege by restricting the execution of ActiveX controls to only trusted environments. Additionally, security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, including unusual memory access patterns or unexpected code execution. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving exploitation of remote services and execution through ActiveX controls, emphasizing the need for comprehensive endpoint protection and application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized code execution.