CVE-2007-0827 in Alipay Activex Control
Summary
by MITRE
The Alibaba Alipay PTA Module ActiveX control (PTA.DLL) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a JavaScript function that invokes the Remove method with an invalid index argument, which is used as an offset for a function call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0827 resides within the Alibaba Alipay PTA Module ActiveX control specifically in the PTA.DLL component that was widely distributed as part of the Alipay payment system for internet commerce transactions. This ActiveX control was designed to facilitate secure payment processing within web browsers, particularly in environments where Microsoft Internet Explorer was the primary browser platform. The control operated with elevated privileges due to its ActiveX nature, which granted it significant system access capabilities that made it a prime target for exploitation by malicious actors seeking to compromise user systems.
The technical flaw manifests in the Remove method implementation within the PTA.DLL ActiveX control where an insufficient input validation mechanism exists for the index argument parameter. When a JavaScript function invokes the Remove method with an invalid index value, this parameter is directly utilized as an offset for a function call without proper bounds checking or validation. This vulnerability represents a classic buffer overflow condition that falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-129, specifically addressing improper validation of input boundaries. The flaw occurs because the ActiveX control fails to validate that the provided index argument falls within acceptable memory boundaries, allowing attackers to manipulate memory access patterns through crafted JavaScript code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it enables remote code execution attacks that can be initiated through web-based delivery mechanisms. Attackers can construct malicious web pages containing JavaScript code that triggers the vulnerable Remove method with specially crafted invalid index values. This exploitation vector allows for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the affected ActiveX control, which typically operates with elevated system privileges in the context of the web browser. The vulnerability affects users who have the Alipay PTA Module ActiveX control installed, creating a persistent attack surface that can be leveraged for various malicious activities including information theft, system compromise, and further lateral movement within compromised networks.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to execution and privilege escalation. The attack chain typically begins with initial compromise through web-based delivery methods, followed by execution of malicious code within the browser context, and concludes with privilege escalation to system-level access. Organizations and individuals using affected systems are particularly vulnerable because ActiveX controls often require administrative privileges to install and operate, and once installed, they persistently execute with elevated permissions. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond individual user systems to potentially affect enterprise environments where the Alipay system was integrated into corporate payment processing workflows. Mitigation strategies should include immediate removal of the vulnerable ActiveX control from affected systems, implementation of browser security policies that restrict ActiveX control execution, and deployment of network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and boundary checking in component-based software design, emphasizing the need for defensive programming practices that prevent unauthorized memory access patterns.