CVE-2007-2576 in advdaudio.ocx
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the East Wind Software advdaudio.ocx 1.5.1.1 ActiveX control allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long OpenDVD property value. NOTE: this issue might be related to CVE-2007-0976.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2576 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the East Wind Software advdaudio.ocx ActiveX control version 1.5.1.1. This particular ActiveX component is designed to handle audio device operations and includes an OpenDVD property that processes user input through a string parameter. The flaw occurs when an attacker provides an excessively long value to this property, causing the software to write beyond the allocated memory buffer boundaries. This memory corruption vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability's classification as a user-assisted remote attack means that exploitation requires some form of user interaction, typically through social engineering or malicious web content delivery, though the actual execution of malicious code occurs without user consent once the vulnerable control is invoked.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from improper input validation within the OpenDVD property handler of the advdaudio.ocx ActiveX control. When the control processes a malformed string parameter exceeding the allocated buffer size, it continues writing data beyond the intended memory boundaries, potentially overwriting critical program execution data such as return addresses or function pointers. This memory corruption can be exploited to redirect program execution flow to malicious code injected into the process memory space. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple denial of service, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the affected application. The attack vector typically involves crafting a malicious web page that loads the vulnerable ActiveX control and passes an oversized string value to the OpenDVD property, triggering the buffer overflow condition during normal operation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for systems running affected software, particularly in enterprise environments where ActiveX controls are commonly deployed for multimedia applications. The attack requires minimal technical skill to exploit, as it leverages existing browser-based attack vectors through web pages that embed the vulnerable control. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability may be related to CVE-2007-0976, suggesting a pattern of similar buffer overflow issues within the same software suite or development framework. The exploitability of this condition is enhanced by the widespread use of Internet Explorer and ActiveX controls in corporate networks, making organizations particularly vulnerable to targeted attacks. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers Exploit Public-Facing Application, where attackers target vulnerabilities in software components accessible through web interfaces or applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2576 should prioritize immediate remediation through software updates from East Wind Software or vendor-provided patches that address the buffer overflow condition in the advdaudio.ocx control. Organizations should implement strict ActiveX control restrictions through group policies or browser security settings to prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious controls. Network-based protections such as intrusion prevention systems can be configured to detect and block exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. Additionally, security awareness training should emphasize the dangers of visiting untrusted websites that may contain malicious ActiveX content. The vulnerability serves as a prime example of why organizations should maintain comprehensive patch management processes and regularly audit their software environments for known vulnerable components. Given the age of this vulnerability and its classification as a persistent security risk, organizations should consider decommissioning affected software components entirely rather than relying solely on temporary workarounds or mitigations.