CVE-2007-1722 in SKCommAX ActiveX control
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the DownloadCertificateExt function in SignKorea SKCommAX ActiveX control module 7.2.0.2 and 3280 6.6.0.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long pszUserID argument.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2017
The CVE-2007-1722 vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the SignKorea SKCommAX ActiveX control module, specifically affecting versions 7.2.0.2 and 3280 6.6.0.1. This vulnerability resides in the DownloadCertificateExt function which processes user input through the pszUserID argument. The flaw occurs when the ActiveX control fails to properly validate the length of the input parameter, creating an exploitable condition where an attacker can provide a maliciously crafted string that exceeds the allocated buffer space. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it exists within a widely deployed ActiveX control used for digital certificate management and secure communications in Korean digital signature systems.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow follows the classic pattern where insufficient bounds checking allows memory corruption to occur when the pszUserID argument exceeds the predefined buffer limits. The function processes the user identifier without adequate input validation, enabling attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data structures. This memory corruption can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow, ultimately allowing remote code execution with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable ActiveX control. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a prime example of unsafe string handling practices in legacy software components.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-1722 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass significant security implications for organizations relying on the affected ActiveX controls. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely without requiring local access, making it particularly dangerous for web-based applications that utilize the control for certificate management processes. The vulnerability affects systems where the SKCommAX ActiveX control is installed and registered, potentially compromising digital signature validation processes and certificate-based authentication mechanisms that are fundamental to secure communications in Korean digital signature infrastructure. Organizations using these controls for e-government services, digital document signing, or secure business communications face elevated risk of unauthorized access and data compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1722 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The primary recommendation involves immediate patching or removal of the vulnerable ActiveX control from affected systems, as no official patches were provided for this specific vulnerability by the vendor. Organizations should implement browser security configurations that restrict ActiveX control loading, particularly disabling automatic execution of ActiveX components in web contexts. Network-level protections including firewall rules that block access to known vulnerable endpoints and intrusion detection system signatures targeting this specific vulnerability pattern should be deployed. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all systems running the affected control versions and implement application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized execution of vulnerable components. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the dangers of legacy ActiveX controls in modern security architectures, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploit public-facing application and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter. The vulnerability also highlights the need for regular security assessments of ActiveX controls and other legacy software components that may contain unpatched security flaws.