CVE-2007-2585 in Barcode Activex Control
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the Verify function in the BarCodeWiz ActiveX control 2.0 and 2.52 (BarcodeWiz.dll) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2585 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the BarCodeWiz ActiveX control version 2.0 and 2.52, specifically affecting the Verify function in the BarcodeWiz.dll component. This issue arises from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly constrain the length of arguments passed to the vulnerable function, creating an exploitable condition where malicious input can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables remote code execution, allowing attackers to potentially gain complete control over affected systems without requiring local access or authentication. The flaw exists in the ActiveX control's design and implementation, making it susceptible to exploitation through web browsers or other applications that load and execute ActiveX components, particularly in environments where users may inadvertently interact with malicious content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the Verify function, which processes user-supplied arguments without adequate validation of input length. When an attacker provides an excessively long argument to the function, the buffer allocated on the stack becomes overwritten with data beyond its intended capacity, leading to stack corruption that can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows memory corruption. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be initiated remotely through web-based interfaces, making it accessible to attackers who may not have direct system access. The vulnerability's exploitability is enhanced by the fact that ActiveX controls are often automatically executed by Internet Explorer when present in web pages, creating a broad attack surface that extends across numerous potentially vulnerable systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data exfiltration capabilities. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized access to sensitive information, system privilege escalation, and persistent backdoor installation that allows continued unauthorized access. Organizations running affected systems may experience service disruption, data loss, and compliance violations, particularly in regulated environments where security controls are mandatory. The vulnerability affects systems running Windows operating systems with Internet Explorer and the specific versions of the BarCodeWiz ActiveX control installed, making it particularly problematic for enterprise environments where legacy ActiveX components may still be present. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various methods including drive-by downloads, malicious websites, or phishing campaigns that prompt users to interact with compromised content, making the attack surface quite broad and difficult to fully control.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2585 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and patches provided by the vendor, which would address the underlying buffer overflow condition in the Verify function. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected ActiveX controls are updated promptly, while also considering the removal of unnecessary ActiveX components from production systems. Network-level protections such as application whitelisting, browser security restrictions, and ActiveX control lockdown policies can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to prevent exploitation. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures for handling potential compromise events. The remediation process should include thorough vulnerability scanning to identify all instances of the affected ActiveX control and ensure complete removal or patching of all vulnerable components. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving exploitation of remote services and privilege escalation, with potential for lateral movement once initial compromise is achieved. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains that may attempt to exploit this vulnerability through malicious ActiveX downloads.