CVE-2007-2177 in Download Helper ActiveX control
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the Microgaming Download Helper ActiveX control (dlhelper.dll) before 7.2.0.19, and the WebHandler Class control, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2177 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting two Microsoft Windows ActiveX controls developed by Microgaming. The affected components include the Download Helper ActiveX control (dlhelper.dll) and the WebHandler Class control, both of which are susceptible to remote code execution attacks when running on vulnerable versions prior to 7.2.0.19. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of Stack-based Buffer Overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the program stack. The flaw exists within the ActiveX control implementation, which is typically deployed in web browsers through Internet Explorer, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through web-based attack vectors without requiring any user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted input that exceeds the allocated buffer space within the ActiveX control's memory management. When the vulnerable control processes this oversized input, it overflows the stack buffer and potentially overwrites the return address of the calling function, allowing attackers to redirect program execution to malicious code. This mechanism aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as the vulnerability is accessible through web interfaces and can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges. The stack-based nature of the overflow means that attackers can manipulate the execution flow of the application by controlling the overwritten return address and potentially injecting shellcode directly into the program memory space.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable ActiveX control, which typically runs with the privileges of the current user context in web browsers. This can result in data theft, system modification, persistent backdoor installation, and further network reconnaissance activities. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because ActiveX controls are commonly deployed in enterprise environments and financial applications, where the WebHandler Class and Download Helper components are frequently used for downloading and managing game content and user data. Organizations running affected versions of these controls face significant risk of unauthorized access to sensitive user data and system resources, making this vulnerability a high-priority target for exploitation in targeted attacks against financial services and gaming platforms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of all affected systems with the updated versions of the Microgaming controls, specifically version 7.2.0.19 or later. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management procedures to identify and remediate all instances of the vulnerable ActiveX controls across their networks. Browser security configurations should be reviewed to disable ActiveX controls where possible, and network-based protections such as application whitelisting can help prevent execution of unauthorized ActiveX components. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts through unusual network traffic patterns or system behavior, particularly in environments where these controls are still deployed. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping browser plugins and ActiveX controls updated. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in software development, as well as the necessity of regular security assessments for legacy components that may continue to be deployed in production environments.