CVE-2007-0444 in Presentation Server
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the print provider library (cpprov.dll) in Citrix Presentation Server 4.0, MetaFrame Presentation Server 3.0, and MetaFrame XP 1.0 allows local users and remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via long arguments to the (1) EnumPrintersW and (2) OpenPrinter functions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0444 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Citrix Presentation Server ecosystem, specifically targeting the cpprov.dll print provider library. This vulnerability affects multiple versions including Citrix Presentation Server 4.0, MetaFrame Presentation Server 3.0, and MetaFrame XP 1.0, creating a widespread attack surface across legacy Citrix implementations. The flaw manifests when the system processes excessively long arguments passed to two critical Windows API functions: EnumPrintersW and OpenPrinter, which are fundamental components of the Windows printing subsystem that Citrix utilizes for printer management and virtualization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper input validation within the print provider library where buffer boundaries are not adequately checked before copying user-supplied data into fixed-length stack buffers. When an attacker supplies arguments exceeding the allocated buffer space to either EnumPrintersW or OpenPrinter functions, the excess data overflows into adjacent stack memory locations, potentially overwriting return addresses, function pointers, and other critical control data. This overflow condition creates an exploitable state where malicious code can be injected and executed with the privileges of the targeted process, which typically operates with elevated permissions due to the nature of print system operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered both locally and remotely, making it applicable to various attack scenarios including privilege escalation and remote code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-0444 extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of Citrix-based environments. Organizations running affected versions of Citrix Presentation Server face potential complete system compromise, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, establish persistent backdoors, or disrupt critical business operations. The vulnerability's applicability to both local and remote attack vectors means that organizations must consider their entire network perimeter as potentially exposed, including virtual desktop infrastructure components that rely on Citrix for printer redirection. Additionally, the nature of the print subsystem makes this vulnerability particularly attractive to attackers because it often operates with elevated privileges and can be triggered through legitimate user interactions, making detection and prevention more challenging.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0444 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Citrix, as the vendor has released security updates specifically addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to Citrix servers and restrict printer-related communications to trusted networks only. System administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary print services and implementing strict input validation at network boundaries to prevent malformed printer requests from reaching affected systems. From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow classification and represents a significant concern under ATT&CK framework category T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation typically involves executing arbitrary code through compromised print services. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for this specific vulnerability, particularly in legacy Citrix environments where patching may be delayed due to compatibility concerns or operational constraints.