CVE-2007-2820 in KSignSWAT
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in the KSign KSignSWAT ActiveX Control (AxKSignSWAT.dll) 2.0.3.3 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via long arguments to the (1) SWAT_Init, (2) SWAT_InitEx, (3) SWAT_InitEx2, (4) SWAT_InitEx3, and (5) SWAT_Login functions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2820 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the KSign KSignSWAT ActiveX Control version 2.0.3.3. This ActiveX component, designed for digital signature and security operations, contains multiple exploitable buffer overflow conditions that can be triggered through malformed input parameters. The vulnerability affects several key functions including SWAT_Init, SWAT_InitEx, SWAT_InitEx2, SWAT_InitEx3, and SWAT_Login, all of which accept arguments that can exceed their allocated buffer space. These buffer overflows occur when the ActiveX control processes user-supplied input without proper bounds checking, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the ActiveX control's function implementations. When attackers provide excessively long string arguments to any of the affected functions, the control fails to validate the input length against the predetermined buffer size, leading to memory corruption. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue where data written to a buffer extends beyond its allocated bounds, potentially overwriting adjacent stack variables, return addresses, or other critical program data. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because ActiveX controls are commonly executed in web browsers and other trusted environments, making exploitation possible through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2820 extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Attackers can leverage these buffer overflows to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, typically resulting in privilege escalation or complete system takeover. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where ActiveX controls are frequently deployed for digital signature validation, document processing, or security-related functions. The attack surface is broad as these functions are commonly used in security applications and document management systems, making the exploitation potential widespread across various industries that rely on digital signatures and secure document handling.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate exploitation risk and the underlying architectural issues. Organizations should immediately disable or remove the vulnerable KSignSWAT ActiveX control from all affected systems, particularly from web browsers where ActiveX controls are executed. The most effective remediation involves updating to a patched version of the KSignSWAT ActiveX Control that properly validates input parameters and implements proper buffer size checking. Security administrators should also implement browser security policies that restrict ActiveX control execution, disable ActiveX controls in web browsers, and ensure that only trusted ActiveX controls are permitted to execute. Additionally, network segmentation and intrusion detection systems should monitor for exploitation attempts, as these buffer overflows often manifest as unusual memory access patterns or potential shellcode execution attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in software development, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as the initial exploitation typically leads to privilege escalation opportunities through the execution of malicious code within the context of the vulnerable application.