CVE-2007-2419 in FLEXnet Connect
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in an ActiveX control (boisweb.dll) in Macrovision FLEXnet Connect 6.0 and Update Service 3.x to 5.x allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the (1) the second parameter to the DownloadAndExecute method and (2) third parameter to the AddFileEx method, a different vulnerability than CVE-2007-0328.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2419 represents a critical security flaw within Macrovision FLEXnet Connect software versions 6.0 and Update Service 3.x through 5.x. This issue resides in an ActiveX control component named boisweb.dll which serves as a bridge for various software distribution and update functionalities. The vulnerability manifests through two distinct buffer overflow conditions that can be exploited remotely, making it particularly dangerous for systems that automatically download and execute software components. The affected software ecosystem is widely used for software protection and licensing management, creating a substantial attack surface for malicious actors seeking to compromise systems through exploitation of these legacy components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the ActiveX control's method parameters. Specifically, the second parameter of the DownloadAndExecute method and the third parameter of the AddFileEx method lack adequate bounds checking mechanisms. When these parameters exceed their allocated buffer space, memory corruption occurs that can be leveraged by attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which addresses heap-based buffer overflows. The lack of proper parameter validation allows attackers to craft malicious input that triggers the buffer overflow conditions, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the compromised user account.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it creates multiple attack vectors for remote exploitation. Attackers can leverage these buffer overflows to gain unauthorized access to systems, potentially escalating privileges and establishing persistent access. The nature of ActiveX controls means that exploitation can occur through web browsers or other applications that load the malicious control, making the attack surface even broader. Systems running affected versions of Macrovision FLEXnet Connect are particularly vulnerable because these components are often deployed in enterprise environments where automatic updates and software distribution mechanisms are prevalent. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to target systems, making it a significant concern for organizations that rely on these protection mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2419 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates from Macrovision, as well as network-level protections to prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should implement strict software restriction policies that prevent execution of unsigned ActiveX controls and disable unnecessary ActiveX functionality in web browsers. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices that align with secure coding standards such as those recommended by the CERT/CC Secure Coding Standards. Additionally, network segmentation and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and the dangers associated with legacy ActiveX controls that may contain unpatched security flaws. The attack patterns associated with this vulnerability align with techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 sub-technique for Windows Command and Scripting Interpreter, as exploitation often involves execution of malicious code through compromised software components.