CVE-2018-5197 in ActiveX
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the ExtCommon.dll user extension module version 9.2, 9.2.1, 9.2.2 of Xplatform ActiveX could allow attacker to perform a command injection attack. The vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation of command parameters. An crafted malicious parameters could cause arbitrary command to execute.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5197 resides within the ExtCommon.dll user extension module of Xplatform ActiveX versions 9.2, 9.2.1, and 9.2.2, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote command injection attacks. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the ActiveX component, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through carefully crafted parameter inputs. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of software component security and input sanitization, where the absence of proper parameter validation allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The flaw fundamentally compromises the integrity of the application's security model by permitting unauthorized code execution through what should be controlled input parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic command injection flaw that aligns with CWE-77, which specifically addresses command injection vulnerabilities in software systems. The weakness manifests when the ExtCommon.dll module processes user-supplied parameters without adequate sanitization or validation, allowing malicious input to be interpreted as executable commands by the underlying operating system. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious parameter values that bypass normal input restrictions, ultimately leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application. The ActiveX architecture compounds the risk by providing a surface area for exploitation that can be accessed through web browsers or other applications that support ActiveX controls, making the attack vector more accessible to threat actors.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations utilizing affected Xplatform ActiveX components, as it enables attackers to execute commands with elevated privileges on target systems. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms establishment. The vulnerability's exploitation capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, and T1068, which addresses exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations may face severe consequences including unauthorized access to sensitive data, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments where the vulnerable ActiveX component is deployed.
Effective mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5197 require immediate remediation through software updates and patches provided by the vendor to address the input validation deficiencies in ExtCommon.dll. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems, while also deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of untrusted ActiveX components. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual command execution patterns and parameter inputs that deviate from normal operational behavior, with particular attention to anomalous ActiveX component usage. Additionally, comprehensive vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify all instances of the affected Xplatform ActiveX versions across the organization's infrastructure, ensuring complete remediation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in component-based architectures, particularly in legacy systems that continue to utilize ActiveX technologies.