CVE-2007-0447 in Symantec
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the Decomposer component in multiple Symantec products allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via multiple crafted CAB archives.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0447 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the Decomposer component of various Symantec security products. This flaw exists in the handling of CAB archive files, which are commonly used for software distribution and packaging. The vulnerability affects multiple Symantec products including but not limited to Norton AntiVirus, Symantec Endpoint Protection, and other security solutions that utilize the Decomposer component for processing compressed archives. The buffer overflow occurs when the Decomposer component processes malformed or specially crafted CAB files, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by remote attackers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the Decomposer component's parsing logic for CAB archive structures. When processing CAB files, the component fails to validate the size and structure of archive elements before attempting to copy data into fixed-size heap buffers. This allows an attacker to craft malicious CAB archives that contain oversized data fields or malformed structures, causing the decompression routine to write beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The heap corruption typically manifests when the component attempts to copy data from the malicious CAB archive into internal memory structures without sufficient validation of input parameters. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow, which is classified as a critical weakness in memory safety mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for remote code execution without requiring any authentication or user interaction, making it an ideal target for automated exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-0447 extends beyond simple privilege escalation or denial of service scenarios. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on affected systems with the privileges of the compromised process, typically the security product service account. This could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors within network environments. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Symantec products for endpoint protection, as these security tools become potential attack vectors rather than protective barriers. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can target systems from outside the network perimeter, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where security products are deployed across multiple locations. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that CAB archives are commonly used in legitimate software distribution channels, making it easier for attackers to deliver malicious payloads through seemingly trusted sources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Symantec products, as the vendor released security updates to address the buffer overflow in the Decomposer component. Organizations should prioritize updating their Symantec security solutions to the latest versions containing the patched Decomposer functionality. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted network traffic, particularly in areas where CAB archive processing occurs. The implementation of file type filtering and content scanning can help prevent the processing of suspicious CAB archives, though this approach requires careful configuration to avoid blocking legitimate software distribution. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior in security product processes that might indicate exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving remote code execution and privilege escalation, with potential lateral movement opportunities through compromised security tools. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized CAB processing utilities, and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing potential exploitation of this class of vulnerability.