CVE-2020-7880 in NeoRS
Summary
by MITRE • 11/30/2021
The vulnerabilty was discovered in ActiveX module related to NeoRS remote support program. This issue allows an remote attacker to download and execute remote file. It is because of improper parameter validation of StartNeoRS function in ActiveX.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7880 resides within the ActiveX module of the NeoRS remote support program, representing a critical security flaw that exposes systems to remote code execution risks. This vulnerability specifically affects the StartNeoRS function within the ActiveX component, which fails to properly validate input parameters, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers. The issue stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the function's behavior through crafted parameters. The NeoRS remote support program is commonly used for legitimate remote system administration and technical support purposes, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited in targeted attacks against organizations relying on this software. The ActiveX module architecture inherently introduces additional attack surface considerations, as ActiveX controls are designed to run with elevated privileges in web browsers, amplifying the potential impact of this vulnerability. This flaw directly relates to CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and represents a classic example of how insufficient parameter validation can lead to arbitrary code execution in client-side components. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require local system access to exploit the flaw, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where such software may be deployed across numerous endpoints.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a clear lack of proper input validation within the StartNeoRS ActiveX function, where user-provided parameters are not adequately sanitized or checked before being processed. Attackers can craft malicious input that bypasses normal validation checks and manipulates the function to download and execute arbitrary files from remote servers. This behavior typically occurs through manipulation of file paths, URLs, or other parameters that the function uses to determine which files to retrieve and execute. The ActiveX control's design likely involves direct system calls or file operations that are not properly constrained, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary locations for file downloads and execution. The vulnerability's exploitation mechanism aligns with ATT&CK technique T1195 which covers content injection attacks, and more specifically T1203 which addresses exploitation of remote services through malicious file execution. The attack vector typically involves delivering a malicious ActiveX control or manipulating existing installations to trigger the vulnerable function through web-based interfaces or automated deployment mechanisms. This particular vulnerability affects systems where the NeoRS software is installed and where ActiveX controls are enabled, which historically includes older versions of internet explorer and other browsers that support ActiveX components.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-7880 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Organizations utilizing NeoRS for remote support operations face significant risk as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, deploy additional malware, or conduct reconnaissance activities. The vulnerability's presence in remote support software creates a particularly attractive target for attackers, as successful exploitation can provide access to critical systems without requiring additional attack vectors or credentials. The affected ActiveX module may be present in various deployment scenarios including corporate networks, managed service provider environments, or even personal systems where the software is installed for legitimate support purposes. Security teams must consider that this vulnerability can be exploited through web-based attacks, potentially allowing attackers to compromise systems through drive-by downloads or malicious websites that deliver the vulnerable ActiveX control. The exploitation of this vulnerability can result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and establishment of backdoors, making it a high-priority target for remediation. Network monitoring should specifically look for unusual file download patterns or execution of unknown binaries that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also impacts the principle of least privilege as ActiveX controls often execute with elevated permissions, potentially allowing attackers to bypass standard security controls and access sensitive system resources. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers, updating to patched versions of the NeoRS software, and monitoring for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that traditional network segmentation may not be sufficient to prevent exploitation, as attackers can potentially reach vulnerable systems from external network locations without requiring additional access. The attack surface extends to any system where the vulnerable ActiveX control is installed and where web browsers with ActiveX support are used, potentially affecting thousands of endpoints across enterprise environments.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2020-7880 should prioritize immediate isolation of vulnerable systems through disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers and implementing network-based controls to prevent access to known vulnerable endpoints. Organizations should immediately update to patched versions of the NeoRS software if available, as this represents the most effective long-term solution to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Security teams should implement network monitoring rules specifically designed to detect attempts to exploit this vulnerability, including unusual file download activities and execution patterns that may indicate exploitation. The vulnerability's nature as an ActiveX-based flaw means that traditional endpoint protection solutions may not be sufficient to prevent exploitation, requiring additional network-level controls and browser hardening measures. System administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all installations of the NeoRS software across their environments and ensure that all instances are updated to patched versions. The vulnerability's exploitation requires ActiveX controls to be enabled, making browser configuration changes a critical component of the remediation process. Security policies should be updated to reflect the risks associated with ActiveX controls and to establish clear guidelines for their deployment and usage in enterprise environments. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patched software versions to ensure that updates do not introduce compatibility issues with existing remote support workflows. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unknown or untrusted ActiveX controls, further reducing the attack surface for this and similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's impact on remote support operations means that organizations must balance security remediation with operational requirements, potentially requiring temporary workarounds or alternative support procedures during the remediation process.