1. Introduction
The Honeywell Multiple Products HscRemoteDeploy.dll ActiveX control is affected by a remote code execution vulnerability. This means an attacker could run malicious code on systems using this control if tricked into opening a specially crafted HTML document. This impacts the confidentiality, integrity and availability of affected systems. Businesses should address this issue as it can lead to complete system compromise.
2. Technical Explanation
The vulnerability lies within the ‘LaunchInstaller()’ function of the Honeywell ‘HscRemoteDeploy.dll’ ActiveX control. An attacker can exploit this by creating a malicious HTML document that triggers execution of arbitrary code when opened by a user. The vulnerability is tracked as CVE-2013-0108.
- Root cause: Insufficient input validation in the ‘LaunchInstaller()’ function allows for the execution of arbitrary commands.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker crafts an HTML document containing a malicious ActiveX object that calls the vulnerable function with a crafted payload, leading to code execution.
- Scope: Affected products include Honeywell multiple products using the HscRemoteDeploy.dll ActiveX control.
3. Detection and Assessment
You can confirm if a system is vulnerable by checking for the presence of the affected ActiveX control and its version. Scanning tools may also identify this vulnerability.
- Quick checks: Check Internet Explorer’s installed controls via ‘Tools > Manage add-ons’. Look for ‘HscRemoteDeploy.dll’.
- Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 58134 can detect this vulnerability as an example.
- Logs and evidence: Review system logs for events related to the loading or execution of HscRemoteDeploy.dll, though specific event IDs may not be available.
reg query "HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftInternet ExplorerActiveX Controls" /v HscRemoteDeploy4. Solution / Remediation Steps
The recommended solution is to disable the affected ActiveX control or contact Honeywell for a fix that disables it.
4.1 Preparation
- No services need to be stopped. A roll back plan involves re-enabling the ActiveX control if needed.
- Change windows may be required depending on your organization’s policies. Approval from IT security is recommended.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Open Internet Explorer.
- Step 2: Go to ‘Tools > Manage add-ons’.
- Step 3: Select ‘Toolbars and Extensions’.
- Step 4: Find ‘HscRemoteDeploy.dll’ in the list of extensions.
- Step 5: Disable the control by unchecking the box next to it.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
(HscRemoteDeploy control enabled in Internet Explorer add-ons)After
(HscRemoteDeploy control disabled in Internet Explorer add-ons)4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Several security practices can help prevent this type of vulnerability. Least privilege reduces the impact if exploited, and regular patch management ensures systems are up to date with the latest security fixes.
- Practice 1: Implement least privilege principles to limit user access rights.
- Practice 2: Maintain a regular patch cadence for all software, including Internet Explorer and ActiveX controls.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
Automation is not recommended due to the complexity of managing add-ons across multiple systems.
5. Verification / Validation
- Post-fix check: Open Internet Explorer ‘Tools > Manage add-ons’. Confirm ‘HscRemoteDeploy.dll’ is still disabled.
- Re-test: Run the earlier quick check (reg query) and confirm it no longer shows the control as enabled.
- Monitoring: Monitor system logs for any unexpected errors related to ActiveX controls, though specific alerts may not be available.
reg query "HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftInternet ExplorerActiveX Controls" /v HscRemoteDeploy (should return no results)6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Update your security baseline to include disabling unnecessary ActiveX controls. Consider using a software restriction policy or AppLocker to prevent the execution of unauthorized ActiveX components.
- Baselines: Update your Internet Explorer security baseline to disable unused ActiveX controls.
- Pipelines: Implement regular vulnerability scanning in CI/CD pipelines.
- Asset and patch process: Review and approve all software installations, including ActiveX controls.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
Disabling the ActiveX control may break functionality if other applications rely on it. The roll back steps involve re-enabling the control in Internet Explorer add-ons.
- Risk or side effect 1: Disabling the control could impact compatibility with legacy web applications.
- Roll back: Open Internet Explorer ‘Tools > Manage add-ons’. Find and enable ‘HscRemoteDeploy.dll’.
8. References and Resources
Links to official advisories and documentation related to this vulnerability.
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/240797/how-to-stop-an-activex-control-from-running-in-internet-explorer
- NVD or CVE entry: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2013-0108