CVE-2007-0562 in Windows Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Windows Explorer (explorer.exe) 6.0.2900.2180 in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 allows user-assisted remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted .avi file, which triggers the crash when the user right clicks on the file.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-0562 represents a classic buffer overflow condition within the Windows Explorer component of Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2. This flaw specifically affects the explorer.exe process version 6.0.2900.2180 and demonstrates how multimedia file handling can be exploited to create application instability. The vulnerability operates through a crafted .avi file that, when processed by the Windows Explorer interface, triggers an unhandled exception leading to application termination. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of software quality assurance failures where proper input validation and memory management procedures were insufficiently implemented.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves improper handling of malformed multimedia file headers during the context menu processing phase. When a user right-clicks on the specially crafted .avi file, Windows Explorer attempts to parse the file metadata to populate the context menu options, including thumbnail generation and file information display. During this parsing operation, the application fails to properly validate the file structure, leading to memory corruption that ultimately results in a segmentation fault or access violation. This behavior aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities. The flaw operates at the application layer and specifically targets the file system shell integration components that are fundamental to user interface functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it creates a potential vector for more sophisticated attacks within a compromised environment. While the immediate effect is an application crash that requires user intervention to restore normal operation, the vulnerability's user-assisted nature means that social engineering tactics could be employed to deliver the malicious file. Attackers could potentially combine this vulnerability with other exploits to create more comprehensive attack chains, particularly in environments where users might be induced to interact with seemingly benign multimedia files. The vulnerability affects systems running Windows XP SP2, which was widely deployed in enterprise environments during that period, making it a significant concern for organizations with legacy systems. This type of vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the potential for seemingly minor application flaws to create substantial security risks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The most direct solution involves applying the Microsoft security patch that addresses the specific buffer overflow condition in explorer.exe. Organizations should also implement user education programs to raise awareness about suspicious file attachments and the potential risks of interacting with untrusted multimedia content. System hardening measures including restricted file execution policies and enhanced application sandboxing can help reduce the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious file transfer patterns may provide early warning capabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates how shell-level vulnerabilities can be exploited to create persistent access or further compromise within a system environment. This case study reinforces the need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs that address both known vulnerabilities and emerging threats in enterprise computing environments.