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Akamai Download Manager Arbitrary Program Execution Vulnerability


I. BACKGROUND

Akamai Download Manager is an integral component of Akamai's global distribution service. It is used to deliver big files quickly and reliably to users around world. It has been used by vendors such as Symantec and Microsoft to provide downloads to the public.

Akamai provides both an ActiveX and a Java based Download Manager. If a user uses the ActiveX control once, it will remain installed on the users computer until manually removed. For more information, please visit following web sites.

http://www.akamai.com/html/technology/products/http_downloads.html

http://www.akamai.com/html/solutions/electronic_software_delivery.html

II. DESCRIPTION

Remote exploitation of a design error in Akamai Technologies, Inc's Download Manager allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user.

The ActiveX control version has the following identifiers:

  Class: DownloadManager Control
  CLSID: 2AF5BD25-90C5-4EEC-88C5-B44DC2905D8B
  CLSID: FFBB3F3B-0A5A-4106-BE53-DFE1E2340CB1
  ProgId: MANAGER.DLMCtrl.1.
  File: C:\Windows\Downloaded Program Files\DownloadManagerV2.ocx

The Java version has the following identifiers:

  Class: com.akamai.dm.ui.applet.DMApplet.class
  JAR: dlm-java-2.2.2.0.jar

This problem specifically exists due to two undocumented object parameters. By using these parameters, it is possible to cause Download Manager to automatically download and execute arbitrary binaries from attacker controlled locations.

III. ANALYSIS

Exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the user viewing a maliciously crafted web page.

In order to exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need to persuade, or otherwise force, a user to view a malicious web page. This is usually accomplished by getting the targeted user to click a link in a form of electronic communication such as e-mail or instant messaging.

While the attack is happening, the Download Manager user interface is displayed. However, in a normal attack scenario there is insufficient time to cancel the download before exploitation occurs.

IV. DETECTION

iDefense confirmed the existence of this vulnerability using version 2.2.2.1 of Akamai Technologies Inc's DownloadManagerV2.ocx. Additionally, iDefense confirmed the problem exists in version 2.2.2.0 of the Download Manager Java Applet. All versions prior to the fixed version are suspected to be vulnerable.

V. WORKAROUND

Setting kill-bits for the associated CLSIDs will prevent the ActiveX control from being loaded within Internet Explorer, thereby preventing exploitation.

Disabling Java will prevent exploitation using the Java Applet version.

VI. VENDOR RESPONSE

Akamai has addressed this vulnerability with the release of version 2.2.3.5 of their Download Manager product. For more information, refer to their advisory. To download the updated version, visit the following URL.

http://dlm.tools.akamai.com/tools/upgrade.html

VII. CVE INFORMATION

The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the name CVE-2008-6339 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org/), which standardizes names for security problems.

VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE

12/06/2007 Initial vendor notification 12/06/2007 Initial vendor response 04/30/2008 Public disclosure

IX. CREDIT

This vulnerability was reported to iDefense by Peter Vreugdenhil.

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X. LEGAL NOTICES

Copyright © 2008 iDefense, Inc.

Permission is granted for the redistribution of this alert electronically. It may not be edited in any way without the express written consent of iDefense. If you wish to reprint the whole or any part of this alert in any other medium other than electronically, please e-mail customer service for permission.

Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition. There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or reliance on, this information.



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VeriSign (Nasdaq: VRSN) operates intelligent infrastructure services that enable and protect billions of interactions across the world's voice and data networks. VeriSign offerings include SSL Certificates, two-factor authentication, identity protection, managed network security, public key infrastructure (PKI), security consulting, information management, as well as solutions for intelligent communications, commerce, and content. VeriSign is also building next-generation service offerings for emerging opportunities such as RFID-enabled supply chains, VoIP technology, and digital-content distribution over mobile and broadband networks.