CVE-2007-0468 in Visual Studio
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in rcdll.dll in msdev.exe in Visual C++ (MSVC) in Microsoft Visual Studio 6.0 SP6 allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long file path in the "1 TYPELIB MOVEABLE PURE" option in an RC file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0468 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the resource compiler component of Microsoft Visual Studio 6.0 Service Pack 6. This issue specifically affects the rcdll.dll library that is invoked by msdev.exe during the compilation process of resource files. The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation when processing the "1 TYPELIB MOVEABLE PURE" option within RC files, creating a condition where maliciously crafted file paths can overflow the allocated stack buffer and potentially overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which occurs when a program writes data beyond the boundaries of a fixed-length stack buffer. This vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables remote code execution through crafted input files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the resource compiler's handling of type library specifications within RC files. When msdev.exe processes a resource file containing the problematic "1 TYPELIB MOVEABLE PURE" directive, it attempts to parse and store the associated file path information in a stack buffer that is insufficiently sized to accommodate excessively long paths. The buffer overflow occurs because the implementation does not properly validate the length of the file path string before copying it into the fixed-size buffer. This allows attackers to craft RC files with deliberately long paths that exceed the buffer capacity, causing the stack to be overwritten with malicious data. The overflow can potentially overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack data, providing attackers with the opportunity to redirect program execution flow. The vulnerability is classified as user-assisted remote since it requires the victim to open or compile a maliciously crafted RC file, but the remote aspect comes from the ability to deliver the malicious file through various network-based attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat to software development environments and developer workstations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to compromise development machines, potentially gaining access to source code repositories, development credentials, and sensitive intellectual property. The vulnerability affects legacy Visual Studio 6.0 environments, which, while less common in production, still exist in many corporate environments and can serve as entry points for broader attacks. The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to privilege escalation within development environments, especially if developers have elevated system privileges. Additionally, the vulnerability could be used to compromise the integrity of compiled software, as attackers could inject malicious code into the development pipeline. This particular flaw is particularly concerning because it targets the resource compilation phase, which is a routine activity in software development, making successful exploitation more likely.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0468 should focus on immediate remediation and long-term security hardening of development environments. The most effective immediate solution involves applying Microsoft's security patches and updates for Visual Studio 6.0 SP6, though given the age of this software, organizations should consider migrating to supported development environments. Input validation controls should be implemented to restrict the length of file paths in RC files, and developers should be trained to avoid using overly long file paths in resource specifications. Network-based controls such as file type restrictions and content scanning can help prevent malicious RC files from reaching development systems. The vulnerability's characteristics make it particularly susceptible to defensive programming techniques including stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and heap-based buffer overflow protections. Organizations should also implement strict access controls for development environments, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access and compile resource files. Regular security assessments of development environments and code review processes should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other components of the software development lifecycle.