CVE-2014-3911 in iPOLiS Device Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Samsung iPOLiS Device Manager before 1.8.7 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified values to the (1) Start, (2) ChangeControlLocalName, (3) DeleteDeviceProfile, (4) FrameAdvanceReader, or other unknown method in the XNSSDKDEVICE.XnsSdkDeviceCtrlForIpInstaller.1 ActiveX control.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3911 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Samsung iPOLiS Device Manager software version 1.8.6 and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the XNSSDKDEVICE.XnsSdkDeviceCtrlForIpInstaller.1 ActiveX control, which is a component designed to manage device profiles and communication protocols for Samsung's iPOLiS system. The affected ActiveX control exposes multiple methods including Start, ChangeControlLocalName, DeleteDeviceProfile, and FrameAdvanceReader that accept unspecified input parameters, creating a potential attack surface for remote adversaries. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-119, which encompasses weaknesses related to memory safety and improper handling of input data, specifically targeting buffer overflows and injection flaws that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of method parameters within the ActiveX control, allowing attackers to craft malicious input that triggers unintended behavior in the underlying software implementation. Attackers can leverage this flaw by constructing specially crafted payloads that exploit the unspecified parameter handling mechanisms in the exposed methods, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments. The attack vector typically involves delivering malicious ActiveX content through web browsers or other attack vectors that can trigger the vulnerable control, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of web applications and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can provide attackers with full administrative control over affected systems running the vulnerable Samsung iPOLiS Device Manager software. This compromise can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, system manipulation, and potential lateral movement within network environments where the software is deployed. Organizations using Samsung iPOLiS systems in enterprise environments face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited across multiple devices simultaneously, potentially affecting entire device management infrastructures. The vulnerability's presence in device management software creates additional risk as it can enable attackers to manipulate device profiles, control local names, and delete critical device configurations, undermining the integrity and availability of the device management system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through software updates to version 1.8.7 or later, which contain patches addressing the input validation issues within the ActiveX control. Organizations should also implement browser security restrictions to prevent automatic execution of ActiveX controls, particularly in environments where the software is not strictly required. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other ActiveX components or legacy software systems. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious ActiveX control usage patterns and unusual method calls within the XNSSDKDEVICE.XnsSdkDeviceCtrlForIpInstaller.1 control to identify potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, administrators should consider disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible, as this approach provides an additional layer of defense against such client-side exploitation techniques. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and parameter handling in ActiveX controls, highlighting the need for robust software security practices that address memory safety and data handling issues as outlined in industry standards and security frameworks.