#VU44363 Improper Authentication in pcAnywhere - CVE-2011-3478

Vulnerability identifier: #VU44363

Vulnerability risk: High

CVSSv4.0: 8.9 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:P/U:Amber]

CVE-ID: CVE-2011-3478

CWE-ID: CWE-287

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
pcAnywhere
Other software / Other software solutions

Vendor: Broadcom

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote non-authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code.

The host-services component in Symantec pcAnywhere 12.5.x through 12.5.3, and IT Management Suite pcAnywhere Solution 7.0 (aka 12.5.x) and 7.1 (aka 12.6.x), does not properly filter login and authentication data, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted session on TCP port 5631.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

pcAnywhere: 12.5 - 12.6.7580

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External links
https://osvdb.org/show/osvdb/78532
https://secunia.com/advisories/48092
https://www.securityfocus.com/bid/51592
https://www.symantec.com/security_response/securityupdates/detail.jsp?fid=security_advisory&pvid=security_advisory&year=2012&suid=20120124_00
https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-12-018/
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/38599/

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.