CVE-2007-0024 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the Vector Markup Language (VML) implementation (vgx.dll) in Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01, 6, and 7 on Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2, Server 2003, and Server 2003 SP1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web page that contains unspecified integer properties that cause insufficient memory allocation and trigger a buffer overflow, aka the "VML Buffer Overrun Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-0024 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within Microsoft Internet Explorer's Vector Markup Language implementation, specifically affecting the vgx.dll component. This vulnerability exists in Internet Explorer versions 5.01, 6, and 7 running on Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2, Server 2003, and Server 2003 SP1 operating systems. The issue stems from improper handling of integer values during memory allocation processes, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted web pages can manipulate the VML rendering engine to allocate insufficient memory buffers. This fundamental flaw in input validation and memory management creates a pathway for remote code execution attacks, making it particularly dangerous for web-based exploitation.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the manipulation of unspecified integer properties within VML elements that are processed by the vgx.dll library. When Internet Explorer encounters a crafted web page containing malformed VML attributes, the integer overflow occurs during the calculation of memory requirements for buffer allocation. This overflow results in a situation where the application attempts to allocate a memory buffer that is significantly smaller than required, yet the subsequent processing operations attempt to write data beyond the allocated boundaries. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-190 as an integer overflow in the context of memory allocation, where the integer arithmetic results in a value that exceeds the maximum representable value for the data type, leading to unexpected behavior and potential exploitation opportunities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the affected browser. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when viewed in vulnerable Internet Explorer versions, trigger the integer overflow condition and subsequently overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious payloads. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities to achieve code execution. The attack surface is particularly broad since it affects multiple versions of Internet Explorer across several Windows operating systems, making it a prime target for mass exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0024 require immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the vulnerability cannot be effectively addressed through configuration changes or network filtering alone. Organizations should implement the security patches released by Microsoft as part of their regular security maintenance procedures, particularly focusing on the specific vgx.dll component updates. Browser isolation techniques and security policy enforcement can provide additional layers of protection, though these measures are secondary to the primary requirement of patching the underlying vulnerability. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and proper memory management practices in software development, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing and code review processes that can identify and prevent similar integer overflow conditions in future implementations.