CVE-2007-1891 in Download Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the GetPrivateProfileSectionW function in Akamai Technologies Download Manager ActiveX Control (DownloadManagerV2.ocx) after 2.0.4.4 but before 2.2.1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code, related to misinterpretation of the nSize parameter as a byte count instead of a wide character count.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1891 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the Akamai Technologies Download Manager ActiveX Control, specifically affecting versions between 2.0.4.4 and 2.2.1.0. This flaw resides in the GetPrivateProfileSectionW function which processes wide character strings, creating a dangerous condition where the nSize parameter is incorrectly interpreted as a byte count rather than a wide character count. The misinterpretation fundamentally alters how memory allocation and bounds checking occur during function execution, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper parameter validation and memory management within the ActiveX control's implementation. When the GetPrivateProfileSectionW function receives a buffer size parameter, it assumes the value represents bytes rather than wide characters, leading to insufficient memory allocation for the actual wide character data processing. This misinterpretation causes the function to write beyond the allocated stack buffer boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects ActiveX controls, which are commonly executed within web browsers and have elevated privileges, making successful exploitation lead to arbitrary code execution on vulnerable systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a means to compromise systems running affected versions of the Akamai Download Manager. Attackers can craft malicious web pages or documents that trigger the vulnerable ActiveX control when loaded in Internet Explorer, exploiting the buffer overflow to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running the browser. This creates a significant threat vector for phishing attacks, malware distribution, and privilege escalation scenarios, particularly in enterprise environments where ActiveX controls are often enabled by default or through corporate policies. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers need only deliver malicious content to affected systems without requiring physical access or local network presence.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The primary solution involves updating to Akamai Download Manager versions 2.2.1.0 or later, which contain the necessary patches to correct the parameter interpretation issue. Organizations should also implement browser security measures including disabling ActiveX controls, using security zones and smart screen filters, and deploying application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of vulnerable components. From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow classification and represents a common attack pattern that maps to several ATT&CK techniques including execution through malicious files, privilege escalation, and initial access via web-based attacks. Security teams should also consider network-based detection mechanisms to identify traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts and implement comprehensive monitoring for suspicious ActiveX control usage within their environments.