CVE-2007-1691 in ActiveMod
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Second Sight Software ActiveMod ActiveX control (ActiveMod.ocx) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1691 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the Second Sight Software ActiveMod ActiveX control component. This flaw exists in the ActiveMod.ocx file which is part of a broader software suite designed for multimedia and audio processing applications. The vulnerability specifically manifests in how the ActiveX control handles input data during processing operations, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges. The buffer overflow occurs when the control processes user-supplied data without proper bounds checking, allowing malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the ActiveMod ActiveX control's memory management routines. When the control receives data through various interface methods or parameters, it fails to validate the length or content of incoming buffers before copying data to fixed-size stack arrays. This classic buffer overflow condition enables attackers to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack data structures. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that multiple attack surfaces within the ActiveX control could potentially be exploited, including different method calls or parameter combinations that trigger the vulnerable code path.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems running affected software, particularly in enterprise environments where ActiveX controls are commonly deployed for multimedia applications. The remote execution capability means that attackers can exploit this vulnerability without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous for web-based applications or corporate networks. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user or application process. The vulnerability is especially concerning because ActiveX controls are often automatically downloaded and executed by web browsers, providing attackers with multiple potential attack vectors through web pages or email attachments.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities, as it can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks within compromised systems. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow classification, which is categorized under the broader weakness type CWE-798 using hardcoded credentials, though in this case it manifests through improper memory handling rather than hardcoding. The attack surface for this vulnerability can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where successful exploitation would allow attackers to execute malicious commands through the compromised system. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a larger attack chain that could lead to persistent threats or lateral movement within networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1691 should include immediate removal or disabling of the affected ActiveMod.ocx component from all systems where it is installed. System administrators should implement strict ActiveX control policies through group policy settings or browser security configurations to prevent automatic execution of untrusted ActiveX controls. Network-based mitigations such as intrusion detection systems and web application firewalls can help detect and block exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify any remaining installations of the affected software components, and patch management procedures should be established to ensure timely updates when vendor fixes become available. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of known vulnerable components regardless of user permissions or system configurations.