CVE-2007-2222 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in the (1) ActiveListen (Xlisten.dll) and (2) ActiveVoice (Xvoice.dll) speech controls, as used by Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01, 6, and 7, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted ActiveX object that triggers memory corruption, as demonstrated via the ModeName parameter to the FindEngine function in ACTIVEVOICEPROJECTLib.DirectSS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2222 represents a critical security flaw affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 5.01, 6, and 7 through their integration with Microsoft Speech API components. This issue stems from buffer overflow conditions within two specific ActiveX controls: ActiveListen (Xlisten.dll) and ActiveVoice (Xvoice.dll) which are part of the Microsoft Speech Platform. The vulnerability specifically manifests when these controls process malformed input parameters, particularly the ModeName parameter within the FindEngine function of the ACTIVEVOICEPROJECTLib.DirectSS object. The flaw exists at the intersection of legacy browser security models and outdated ActiveX component implementations, creating a dangerous attack surface that has persisted across multiple versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting malicious ActiveX objects that trigger memory corruption through buffer overflows in the speech control libraries. These buffer overflows occur when the ModeName parameter exceeds the allocated buffer space in the ActiveVoice component, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability is classified as a stack-based buffer overflow according to CWE-121, with potential for arbitrary code execution when the corrupted memory is subsequently executed. The attack vector requires user interaction through a malicious webpage that loads the vulnerable ActiveX controls, making this a classic client-side exploitation scenario that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation for execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2222 extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities to encompass broader system compromise potential. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running Internet Explorer, potentially leading to full system compromise through privilege escalation or lateral movement. The vulnerability affects legacy systems that were not receiving regular security updates, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where older browser versions persist. The attack requires no special privileges to initiate, as it exploits the inherent trust placed in ActiveX controls by Internet Explorer, demonstrating how legacy component vulnerabilities can create persistent security risks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2222 must address both immediate protection and long-term remediation. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling ActiveX controls in Internet Explorer or implementing strict security policies that prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious components. Users should be educated about avoiding untrusted websites and enabling security features such as zone-based security settings and the Protected View mode. Organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of vulnerable ActiveX components. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security updates and the need for organizations to maintain current browser versions, as Microsoft has since addressed this issue in later versions of their software through improved input validation and memory management practices. Additionally, network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern.