Functional code that demonstrates an exploit of the Novell GroupWise Client for Windows ActiveX control arbitrary code execution vulnerability is publicly available.
Description
Novell GroupWise Client for Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code.
The vulnerability is due to improper validation of user-supplied input to the ActiveX control function of the affected software. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit the vulnerability by convincing a targeted user to view a malicious website. If successful, the attacker could execute arbitrary code on the targeted system with the privileges of the user. Successful exploitation could result in a complete system compromise.
Functional code that exploits this vulnerability is available as part of the Metasploit framework.
Novell has confirmed the vulnerability and software updates are available.
Warning Indicators
The following versions of Novell GroupWise Client for Windows are vulnerable:
8.0.3 HP1 and prior
2012 SP1 and prior
IntelliShield Analysis
To exploit the vulnerability, the attacker may provide a link to a malicious site and use misleading language or instructions to persuade the user to follow the provided link.
Vendor Announcements
Novell has released a knowledgebase article at the following link: Document ID 7011688
Impact
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit the vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user. If the user holds elevated privileges, a complete system compromise could be possible.
Technical Information
The vulnerability is due to improper validation of the XPItem pointer by multiple methods exposed via gwcls1.dll of the affected software.
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit the vulnerability by convincing a targeted user to view a web page designed to submit a malicious pointer to the SetEngine() method, which could accept that pointer to perform operations and method calls. The attacker could manipulate that behavior to execute arbitrary code on a targeted system under the context of the browser.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
Users are advised not to open e-mail messages from suspicious or unrecognized sources. If users cannot verify that links or attachments included in e-mail messages are safe, they are advised not to open them.
Administrators are advised to monitor affected systems.
Version 2, February 4, 2013, 12:22 PM: Additional technical information is available for the Novell GroupWise Client for Windows ActiveX control arbitrary code execution vulnerability.
Version 1, February 1, 2013, 12:56 PM: Novell GroupWise Client for Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code. Updates are available.
The security vulnerability applies to the following combinations of products.
Primary Products:
Novell, Inc.
GroupWise Client
2012 Base, SP1 | 8.0 Base | 8.0.3 HP1 Base | 8.01 Base | 8.02 HP3 Base
Associated Products:
N/A
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