CVE-2015-2096 in eDVR Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the Connect function in the WESPMonitor.WESPMonitorCtrl.1 ActiveX control in WebGate eDVR Manager allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an invalid IP address and a page reload.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2018
The CVE-2015-2096 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw within the WebGate eDVR Manager software's ActiveX control implementation. This vulnerability exists in the WESPMonitor.WESPMonitorCtrl.1 ActiveX control and specifically affects the Connect function, creating a dangerous condition where memory previously freed by the application is accessed again by malicious code. The flaw is particularly concerning because it enables remote code execution through a crafted malicious web page that leverages the ActiveX control's improper memory management practices.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious web page that triggers the Connect function with an invalid IP address parameter. When the ActiveX control processes this malformed input, it causes the application to free memory associated with the control's internal structures while simultaneously attempting to access that same memory during the page reload operation. This creates a use-after-free condition that can be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable software. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 as a use-after-free error, which is a well-documented class of memory safety issues that frequently leads to remote code execution exploits.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using WebGate eDVR Manager software, particularly those with web-based interfaces or remote access capabilities. The attack vector requires only a web browser that supports ActiveX controls, making it relatively accessible to threat actors. The vulnerability can be exploited in various scenarios including phishing campaigns, drive-by downloads, or compromised websites that serve malicious content to unsuspecting users. Security researchers have noted that the exploitability of such use-after-free conditions often increases when the application is running with elevated privileges or when the memory layout can be predicted or controlled by attackers.
The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes the use of malicious ActiveX controls for code execution, and T1059, which covers the execution of malicious code through compromised web applications. Organizations should consider implementing browser security policies that restrict ActiveX control usage, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted web content. The vulnerability demonstrates the persistent security challenges associated with legacy ActiveX controls in modern web environments, where memory management errors in COM components can create persistent attack surfaces. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the WebGate eDVR Manager software, implementation of network segmentation to limit exposure, and user education about avoiding untrusted web content that may trigger such exploits. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling ActiveX controls entirely in browser environments where they are not strictly required for business operations, as this effectively eliminates the attack surface associated with this class of vulnerability.