CVE-2007-0065 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) Automation in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2, Server 2003 SP1 and SP2, Vista, Office 2004 for Mac, and Visual basic 6.0 SP6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted script request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2025
This heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists within the Object Linking and Embedding automation components of Microsoft Windows operating systems and Office applications. The flaw occurs when processing maliciously crafted script requests that manipulate OLE automation objects, specifically targeting memory allocation patterns in heap structures. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Microsoft products including Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2, Server 2003 SP1 and SP2, Vista, Office 2004 for Mac, and Visual Basic 6.0 SP6, demonstrating the widespread nature of the underlying implementation flaw. The heap-based nature of this vulnerability means that attackers can manipulate heap memory layout to overwrite critical data structures or execute code, making it particularly dangerous for remote exploitation scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking during OLE automation object processing, where input data from script requests is not properly validated before being copied into heap-allocated buffers. When a malicious script request is processed, the system fails to verify buffer boundaries, allowing attackers to write beyond allocated memory regions. This overflow can corrupt adjacent heap memory, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution when the corrupted memory is subsequently accessed. The vulnerability specifically targets the automation server implementation within OLE, which handles COM object interactions and script processing, making it a critical component for exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote code execution without requiring user interaction, making it highly attractive to attackers. The vulnerability can be exploited through web browsers, email clients, or any application that processes OLE automation requests, creating multiple attack vectors. Attackers can craft malicious script requests that, when processed by vulnerable systems, will trigger the buffer overflow and allow execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process. The widespread deployment of affected Microsoft products means that a large number of systems could be compromised simultaneously, potentially affecting corporate networks, government systems, and individual users. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 for heap-based buffer overflow conditions and represents a classic example of how automation frameworks can introduce security risks when proper input validation is absent.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate application of Microsoft security patches and updates, particularly those addressing the specific OLE automation flaws. System administrators should implement network segmentation and firewall rules to limit exposure to potentially malicious script content, while also deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of untrusted scripts. The use of security software with behavior monitoring capabilities can help detect exploitation attempts by monitoring for unusual heap memory operations or code injection patterns. Additionally, disabling unnecessary OLE automation features and restricting script execution in web browsers and email clients can significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege, ensuring that affected systems run with minimal necessary permissions to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in automation frameworks and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of component interfaces that handle external data processing.