CVE-2007-0766 in .NET Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Remotesoft .NET Explorer 2.0.1 allows user-assisted remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long line in a .cpp file.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0766 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within Remotesoft .NET Explorer version 2.0.1. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of source code files, specifically when processing .cpp files that contain excessively long lines. The flaw manifests as a classic stack corruption issue where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. Such buffer overflow conditions are particularly dangerous because they can lead to unpredictable application behavior and potentially full system compromise when exploited correctly.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and memory management within the .NET Explorer application. When the software encounters a .cpp file containing a line that exceeds the allocated stack buffer size, the application fails to properly handle this condition, resulting in stack corruption that can trigger an application crash or provide an attacker with opportunities for code execution. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows for memory corruption. The flaw operates under the principle that the application does not validate the length of input data before processing it, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered through crafted input files.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations using Remotesoft .NET Explorer, particularly in environments where source code analysis tools are employed. The user-assisted nature of the attack means that an attacker must convince a legitimate user to open a maliciously crafted .cpp file, but this is often achievable through social engineering or by compromising development environments. The potential impact extends beyond simple denial of service, as the buffer overflow could be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability particularly affects development teams that rely on source code analysis tools for code quality assurance and security review processes.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically relating to privilege escalation and code execution techniques. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to systems through the development environment, potentially accessing sensitive source code repositories or deploying malicious payloads. Organizations should consider implementing input validation controls and restricting access to potentially vulnerable applications, particularly in shared or untrusted environments. The remediation strategy should include immediate patching of the vulnerable software version, implementation of proper input validation mechanisms, and consideration of alternative source code analysis tools that have been properly tested for security vulnerabilities. Additionally, regular security assessments of development tools and environments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in real-world scenarios.