CVE-2007-0999 in Ekiga
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in Ekiga 2.0.3, and probably other versions, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2007-1006.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0999 represents a critical format string vulnerability within Ekiga version 2.0.3 and potentially other releases in the product line. This flaw resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input during string formatting operations, creating an avenue for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects the multimedia communication software Ekiga, which is used for voice and video conferencing over internet protocol networks. Unlike CVE-2007-1006, which addressed a different class of vulnerabilities, CVE-2007-0999 focuses exclusively on format string weaknesses that can be exploited through unspecified attack vectors within the application's codebase. This classification aligns with CWE-134, which defines format string vulnerabilities as weaknesses where format strings are constructed using user-supplied data without proper validation or sanitization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when Ekiga processes input data that contains format specifiers such as %s, %d, or %x within its string formatting functions. When an attacker can influence the format string itself, they can manipulate memory contents, cause application crashes, or potentially execute arbitrary code by writing to specific memory addresses. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not need physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where Ekiga might be used for business communications or collaborative work sessions. Attackers can craft malicious input that, when processed by Ekiga's string formatting routines, can overwrite critical program memory locations or inject malicious code into the application's execution context.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-0999 extends beyond simple privilege escalation or denial of service scenarios. In enterprise environments where Ekiga is deployed for video conferencing, the vulnerability could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive communication channels, potentially leading to data breaches or surveillance of confidential meetings. The remote code execution capability means that successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, especially if Ekiga is running with elevated privileges or if the target system lacks proper network segmentation. Organizations using Ekiga for business communications face significant risk, as the vulnerability could be exploited by threat actors to establish persistent backdoors or to deploy additional malware within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected Ekiga versions, with administrators ensuring all systems running the software receive updates from the vendor. The implementation of network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential attack surface, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, input validation and sanitization measures should be implemented at network boundaries to filter out potentially malicious format strings before they reach the Ekiga application. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation patterns associated with format string vulnerabilities, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify other potential vulnerabilities within the multimedia communication infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-134 emphasizes the importance of proper input validation and the use of secure coding practices that prevent user-supplied data from being interpreted as format specifiers.