CVE-2007-0097 in PowerArchiver 2006
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in the (1) LoadTree and (2) ReadHeader functions in PAISO.DLL 1.7.3.0 (1.7.3 beta) in ConeXware PowerArchiver 2006 9.64.02 allow user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted ISO file containing a file within several nested directories.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0097 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw affecting PAISO.DLL version 1.7.3.0 within ConeXware PowerArchiver 2006 9.64.02. This security weakness manifests in two distinct functions: LoadTree and ReadHeader, both of which process ISO file structures during archive extraction operations. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation when handling nested directory structures within ISO files, creating opportunities for malicious code execution through carefully crafted archive contents. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow, a well-documented weakness category that enables attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially execute arbitrary code.
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by creating a malicious ISO file containing files nested within multiple directory levels that exceed the allocated buffer space in the affected functions. When PowerArchiver attempts to process such a crafted archive, the buffer overflow occurs during the LoadTree or ReadHeader operations, causing the program to overwrite stack memory with attacker-controlled data. This memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running PowerArchiver, effectively providing attackers with a remote code execution capability. The vulnerability requires user interaction since the target application must be launched to process the malicious ISO file, making it a user-assisted attack vector rather than a fully automated exploit.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can be leveraged to bypass security controls and establish persistent access to affected systems. Attackers can use this vulnerability to install malware, modify system files, or escalate privileges within the targeted environment. The specific nature of the flaw in PAISO.DLL means that any application relying on this library for ISO file processing could potentially be affected, creating a broader attack surface beyond just PowerArchiver itself. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in archive processing libraries and highlights how seemingly benign file format handling can become a critical security risk.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0097 should focus on immediate patching of the affected PowerArchiver version, with users upgrading to newer releases that contain fixed versions of PAISO.DLL. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies for ISO files, particularly those received from untrusted sources, and consider deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of vulnerable software versions. Network-based defenses such as intrusion prevention systems can be configured to detect and block suspicious ISO file processing activities, while endpoint protection measures should monitor for unusual memory access patterns that may indicate buffer overflow exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 command and scripting interpreter and T1203 exploit for client execution, emphasizing the need for layered defense approaches that address both the specific vulnerability and broader exploitation patterns. Regular security assessments of archive processing components and maintaining updated security patches remain essential practices for preventing exploitation of similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in software libraries.