CVE-2007-2667 in Vimp X
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the DB Software Laboratory VImpX ActiveX control in VImpX.ocx 4.7.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long LogFile parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2667 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the VImpX ActiveX control developed by DB Software Laboratory. This specific vulnerability resides in the VImpX.ocx component version 4.7.3 and manifests through improper input validation mechanisms that fail to adequately check the length of user-supplied data. The ActiveX control is designed to handle logging functionality through a LogFile parameter, which serves as the attack vector for this particular vulnerability. When an attacker provides an excessively long LogFile parameter value, the control fails to properly bounds-check the input before processing, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw operates through a classic buffer overflow mechanism where the ActiveX control allocates a fixed-size buffer to store the LogFile parameter value but does not validate whether the incoming data exceeds this predetermined limit. This creates an exploitable condition where an attacker can overwrite stack canaries, return addresses, or other critical memory structures, thereby gaining control over the program execution flow. The vulnerability specifically affects systems running Windows operating systems where ActiveX controls are enabled and the vulnerable VImpX.ocx component is registered in the system registry.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a serious security risk that can be leveraged for complete system compromise. Attackers can craft malicious web pages or email attachments that, when processed by a vulnerable system, automatically trigger the buffer overflow condition through the ActiveX control's LogFile parameter handling. This enables remote code execution without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website or opening a compromised email attachment. The vulnerability affects organizations using the VImpX ActiveX control for database logging operations, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges, install backdoors, or perform other malicious activities. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that ActiveX controls are often enabled by default in Internet Explorer configurations, making exploitation relatively straightforward for threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2667 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and system hardening measures. Organizations must first identify systems running the vulnerable VImpX.ocx version 4.7.3 and apply the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to a secure version that properly validates input parameters. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security principles and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. System administrators should also consider implementing ActiveX control restrictions through group policies or browser security settings to prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious ActiveX components. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that no legacy ActiveX controls remain in production environments. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the necessity of maintaining up-to-date software inventories and implementing proper vulnerability management processes to prevent similar issues from arising in other components.