CVE-2007-0707 in GOM Player
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in GOM Player 2.0.12.3375 allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a .ASX file with a long URI in the "ref href" tag. NOTE: The provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0707 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw discovered in GOM Player version 2.0.12.3375, a popular multimedia player software. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of .ASX files, which are Windows Media Playlist files used to store references to media content. The flaw specifically manifests when processing the "ref href" tag within these playlist files, creating a condition where attacker-controlled input can overflow the stack buffer allocated for URI storage. The vulnerability is classified as user-assisted remote, meaning that an attacker must convince a user to open a maliciously crafted .ASX file for exploitation to occur, though the attack can be executed remotely through web-based delivery mechanisms.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. When GOM Player processes the malformed .ASX file, the parser fails to validate the length of the URI specified in the "ref href" attribute, allowing an attacker to provide input exceeding the allocated buffer space. This overflow can corrupt the return address on the stack, potentially allowing an attacker to redirect execution flow to malicious code injected into the buffer. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the importance of proper bounds checking in applications that process external data formats.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat vector for remote code execution attacks targeting users of GOM Player. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various delivery methods including malicious websites, email attachments, or compromised media sharing platforms. The exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently access untrusted content. The vulnerability affects a widely used multimedia player, increasing the potential attack surface and impact scope. From an attacker's perspective, this represents a low-hanging fruit vulnerability that can be exploited without requiring advanced technical skills or specific target conditions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0707 should prioritize immediate software updates and patches from the vendor, as this vulnerability was likely addressed in subsequent versions of GOM Player. System administrators should implement network-based protections including web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious .ASX file content. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should emphasize the dangers of opening files from untrusted sources, particularly multimedia files that may contain embedded references to external content. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of input validation and bounds checking in application development, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of known vulnerable applications until proper patches are deployed. The incident highlights the critical need for regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs to identify and remediate similar flaws in legacy software systems.