CVE-2007-1083 in Mpki
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the Configuration Checker (ConfigChk) ActiveX control in VSCnfChk.dll 2.0.0.2 for Verisign Managed PKI Service, Secure Messaging for Microsoft Exchange, and Go Secure! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via long arguments to the VerCompare method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1083 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Configuration Checker ActiveX control distributed by Verisign as part of their Managed PKI Service and Secure Messaging for Microsoft Exchange products. This vulnerability specifically affects the VSCnfChk.dll version 2.0.0.2 and resides within the VerCompare method of the ConfigChk ActiveX control. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly handle excessively long argument strings passed to the vulnerable method, creating a condition where memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries can be overwritten.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental weakness in memory management practices within the ActiveX control's code structure. When the VerCompare method receives argument strings that exceed the predetermined buffer size, the overflow occurs in the stack memory allocation, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through ActiveX components. The attack vector leverages the inherent trust model of ActiveX controls within Microsoft Internet Explorer environments, where users typically have elevated privileges and the control operates with system-level permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential pathway for privilege escalation and system compromise within environments where the affected ActiveX control is installed. Attackers can craft malicious payloads containing overly long arguments that, when processed by the vulnerable VerCompare method, trigger the buffer overflow condition and subsequently execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in corporate environments where Exchange servers and PKI services are commonly deployed, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor access. The vulnerability also represents a significant concern for phishing campaigns and social engineering attacks where attackers can leverage the trust relationship between the browser and ActiveX controls to deliver malicious payloads without requiring user interaction beyond visiting compromised websites.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1083 should prioritize immediate remediation through software updates from Verisign that address the buffer overflow condition in the VSCnfChk.dll component. Organizations must also implement browser security configurations that either disable ActiveX controls entirely or restrict their execution to trusted zones only. Network-level defenses should include firewall rules that prevent access to potentially compromised systems and monitoring for suspicious ActiveX control usage patterns. Additionally, security administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all systems running affected versions of the Verisign Managed PKI Service and Secure Messaging products, ensuring that all instances are updated or isolated from untrusted network segments. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in component-based software development, particularly for controls that operate with elevated privileges in enterprise environments.