CVE-2007-0443 in CDDBControl ActiveX control
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in the CDDBControl ActiveX control in Gracenote CDDB before 20070418 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via long values for certain Proxy configuration parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0443 represents a critical security flaw in the Gracenote CDDB ActiveX control, specifically affecting versions prior to 20070418. This issue resides within the CDDBControl ActiveX component that is commonly integrated into Windows applications for music database lookup functionality. The vulnerability manifests as multiple buffer overflow conditions that occur when processing Proxy configuration parameters, creating a significant attack surface for remote code execution. The affected ActiveX control is typically deployed in media player applications and music identification software, making it accessible through web browsers and other applications that support ActiveX controls. The buffer overflows are particularly dangerous because they can be triggered by supplying excessively long values for specific Proxy parameters, which are commonly used in network configuration settings for internet connectivity. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw exists in the way the ActiveX control handles user-supplied input without proper validation or size limitation mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft malicious input containing excessively long Proxy configuration values that exceed the allocated buffer space within the CDDBControl ActiveX component. When the ActiveX control processes these oversized parameters, it writes data beyond the intended memory boundaries, potentially overwriting critical program structures including return addresses on the stack. This memory corruption can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow to attacker-controlled code, enabling remote code execution with the privileges of the compromised application. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be initiated through web-based attacks where malicious websites deliver the exploit payload to unsuspecting users who have the vulnerable ActiveX control installed. The vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK framework as a technique for code injection, specifically leveraging the use of ActiveX controls for malicious code execution. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a specially formatted web page that triggers the vulnerable ActiveX control with malicious input parameters, bypassing standard browser security mechanisms due to the trusted nature of ActiveX components in Internet Explorer.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual user systems to potentially affect entire networks where vulnerable applications are deployed. Organizations using media applications that incorporate the Gracenote CDDB control are at risk of remote code execution attacks that could lead to full system compromise, data theft, or lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may have elevated privileges or where the affected applications are used in critical business processes. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, conduct reconnaissance activities, or deploy additional malware payloads. The exploitation requires minimal user interaction since the ActiveX control can be automatically loaded and executed when visiting malicious websites, making it a preferred target for drive-by download attacks. The vulnerability affects a wide range of applications including media players, music identification software, and other multimedia applications that rely on Gracenote's CDDB services for music database lookups.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0443 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The primary recommendation is to update to Gracenote CDDB versions 20070418 or later, which contain patches that address the buffer overflow conditions through proper input validation and bounds checking. Organizations should implement application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of known vulnerable ActiveX controls unless absolutely necessary for business operations. Browser security configurations should be adjusted to disable ActiveX controls or restrict their execution to trusted sites only, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted web content. Network-level defenses including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual ActiveX control loading patterns and attempts to execute code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that reduce the attack surface available to threat actors. Regular security assessments should verify the absence of vulnerable ActiveX controls and ensure that all applications are running patched versions that address known vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing techniques for multimedia applications and establishing incident response procedures specifically tailored to handle ActiveX-based exploits.