CVE-2007-2744 in PrecisionID Barcode
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the PrecisionID Barcode 1.9 ActiveX control in PrecisionID_Barcode.dll allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (Internet Explorer 6 crash), and possibly execute arbitrary code, via a long argument to the SaveBarCode method. NOTE: this issue might overlap CVE-2007-2657.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2744 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the PrecisionID Barcode 1.9 ActiveX control, specifically in the PrecisionID_Barcode.dll library. This flaw exists within the SaveBarCode method of the ActiveX component, which is designed to generate barcode images for applications running in Internet Explorer. The vulnerability manifests when a remote attacker provides an excessively long argument to this method, triggering unpredictable behavior in the application's memory management. The issue is particularly concerning because ActiveX controls are inherently trusted components within Internet Explorer environments, making them prime targets for exploitation.
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 on the stack. When the SaveBarCode method processes an argument that exceeds the allocated buffer size, the excess data overflows into adjacent stack memory, potentially corrupting return addresses and control flow information. This overflow can be exploited to redirect program execution to malicious code injected into the stack, representing a significant security risk that could allow remote code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in the context of Internet Explorer 6, which was widely deployed and had limited security mitigations compared to modern browsers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable full system compromise. While the initial description indicates that the primary effect is causing Internet Explorer 6 to crash, the potential for arbitrary code execution makes this a severe security concern that could allow attackers to gain complete control over affected systems. The vulnerability affects systems running the specific version of the PrecisionID Barcode control, particularly those that automatically execute ActiveX components without user intervention. This makes the attack surface particularly wide, as many enterprise environments had legacy systems running outdated software components that were vulnerable to such exploits.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2744 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates from PrecisionID, which would include patched versions of the barcode control that properly validate input lengths before processing. Organizations should also implement security policies that restrict ActiveX control execution, particularly in enterprise environments where legacy systems may still be in use. The use of Internet Explorer's security zones and security settings can help prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious ActiveX components. Additionally, network segmentation and application whitelisting approaches can help reduce the attack surface by preventing unauthorized ActiveX controls from being installed or executed on systems. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and code injection, with the exploitation potentially leading to lateral movement within compromised networks.
The overlap with CVE-2007-2657 indicates that this vulnerability may be part of a broader class of issues within the PrecisionID barcode software suite, suggesting that organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of all ActiveX components in their environments. Security teams should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual ActiveX control behavior and potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing risks associated with legacy ActiveX controls and the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components, particularly in enterprise environments where older systems may continue to operate without proper security updates. This case highlights the need for organizations to maintain comprehensive inventory systems of all ActiveX controls and other browser plugins that may present security risks.