CVE-2007-0040 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The LDAP service in Windows Active Directory in Microsoft Windows 2000 Server SP4, Server 2003 SP1 and SP2, Server 2003 x64 Edition and SP2, and Server 2003 for Itanium-based Systems SP1 and SP2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted LDAP request with an unspecified number of "convertible attributes."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-0040 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol service of Microsoft Windows Active Directory. This issue affects multiple server versions including Windows 2000 Server with SP4 and various Windows Server 2003 editions with their respective service packs. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the LDAP processing mechanism, specifically when handling crafted requests containing convertible attributes that can trigger memory corruption conditions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully constructed LDAP requests that contain an unspecified number of convertible attributes designed to overflow buffer boundaries within the Active Directory LDAP service implementation. This buffer overflow condition creates an opportunity for remote code execution, allowing attackers to potentially gain unauthorized system access and execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected service account. The flaw operates at the protocol level within the directory service infrastructure, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring authentication credentials.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to enterprise environments that rely on Active Directory for identity management and authentication services. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can target these systems from outside the network perimeter, potentially compromising entire domain infrastructures. Organizations using affected Windows Server versions face potential data breaches, system compromise, and lateral movement opportunities that could lead to complete network infiltration. The vulnerability affects core directory services that many applications and systems depend upon for authentication and authorization functions.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate application of Microsoft security patches and updates specifically addressing the LDAP buffer overflow issue. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of Active Directory services to untrusted networks. Monitoring for unusual LDAP traffic patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, applying the principle of least privilege and ensuring proper service account permissions can limit the impact should exploitation occur. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers would leverage compromised directory services for further system access and code execution within the targeted environment.