CVE-2007-1892 in Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Akamai Technologies Download Manager ActiveX Control (DownloadManagerV2.ocx) before 2.2.1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, a different issue than CVE-2007-1891.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1892 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Akamai Technologies Download Manager ActiveX Control, specifically affecting versions prior to 2.2.1.0. This vulnerability resides in the DownloadManagerV2.ocx component that is commonly deployed in web browsers and client applications to facilitate file downloads from Akamai content delivery networks. The flaw manifests as a classic stack buffer overflow condition that occurs when the ActiveX control processes user-supplied input without proper bounds checking, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the ActiveX control's memory management routines. When the control receives data through various interface methods or parameters, it fails to validate the length of incoming data against the allocated buffer space on the stack. This allows an attacker to provide input that exceeds the predetermined buffer limits, causing a buffer overflow that can overwrite adjacent stack memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, and other critical execution context data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of a browser or application that trusts ActiveX controls, making exploitation relatively straightforward for attackers who can convince victims to visit malicious websites or open compromised email attachments containing malicious content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can be leveraged for complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors or when the target system has elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit this condition to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable application, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Windows operating systems that support ActiveX controls and have the affected Akamai Download Manager component installed, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking broad exploitation capabilities. Security researchers have classified this as a high-severity vulnerability due to its remote exploitability and the potential for privilege escalation, with the ATT&CK framework categorizing this under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can leverage the executed code to establish further footholds within compromised networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate patching of the affected ActiveX control to version 2.2.1.0 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to prevent the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should also implement browser security configurations that restrict ActiveX control execution, particularly in environments where the control is not essential for business operations. The CWE database classifies this issue under CWE-121, stack-based buffer overflow, which emphasizes the fundamental nature of the flaw and its susceptibility to exploitation through improper memory management practices. Additional defensive measures include network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify malicious traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts, as well as user education to avoid visiting untrusted websites or opening suspicious email attachments that might trigger the vulnerable control. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that prevent execution of untrusted ActiveX controls and regularly audit installed components to ensure that only approved versions remain on systems. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and memory management in software development, particularly for components that execute in privileged contexts such as browser plugins and ActiveX controls.