CVE-2007-1007 in Red Hat
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in GnomeMeeting 1.0.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via format strings in the name, which is not properly handled in a call to the gnomemeeting_log_insert function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1007 represents a critical format string flaw in GnomeMeeting version 1.0.2 and earlier, exposing the application to remote exploitation. This issue stems from improper handling of user-supplied input within the gnomemeeting_log_insert function, where format specifiers are directly processed without adequate sanitization. The vulnerability specifically affects the name parameter, which is manipulated during logging operations, creating a pathway for attackers to inject malicious format strings that can trigger undefined behavior in the application's memory management.
From a technical perspective, this format string vulnerability falls under CWE-134, which specifically addresses the use of format strings without proper validation or sanitization. The flaw occurs when the application processes user-provided data through functions like printf or sprintf without first validating the input against expected format patterns. In the context of GnomeMeeting, when a remote attacker sends a specially crafted name parameter containing format specifiers such as %x, %s, or %n, the application's logging mechanism fails to properly escape these characters, leading to memory corruption and potential code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enabling remote code execution, making it a severe security concern for any system running affected versions of GnomeMeeting. When exploited, the format string vulnerability can cause the application to crash through memory access violations, but more critically, it can allow attackers to overwrite memory locations with arbitrary values, potentially leading to privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution within the context of the running process. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it operates over network connections, making it accessible to remote adversaries without requiring local system access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1007 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as the vulnerability has existed since 2007 and has been widely documented. Organizations should implement input validation measures that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, particularly focusing on removing or escaping format specifiers from input fields. The solution aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of system commands, as the vulnerability exploits command execution through improper input handling. Additionally, deploying network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts, while implementing proper logging and monitoring can help detect suspicious format string patterns in application logs. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper string handling in preventing exploitation of format string vulnerabilities that can lead to complete system compromise.