CVE-2007-2917 in Command Antivirus
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in a certain ActiveX control in odapi.dll in Authentium Command Antivirus before 4.93.8 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2917 represents a critical security flaw within the Authentium Command Antivirus software ecosystem, specifically targeting an ActiveX control component named odapi.dll. This vulnerability manifests as multiple buffer overflows that occur within the ActiveX control interface, creating a pathway for malicious actors to potentially compromise systems running vulnerable versions of the antivirus software. The affected version range includes all iterations prior to 4.93.8, indicating a long-standing issue that remained unpatched for an extended period within the software's lifecycle. The nature of ActiveX controls makes them particularly dangerous when vulnerable, as they can be automatically executed within web browsers and other applications that support ActiveX technology, expanding the potential attack surface significantly.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the odapi.dll ActiveX control, which fails to adequately validate input data before processing. Buffer overflow conditions occur when more data is written to a fixed-length buffer than it can accommodate, causing adjacent memory locations to be overwritten. In this specific case, the vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate memory layout through carefully crafted input parameters that are processed by the vulnerable ActiveX control. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that multiple attack pathways exist, potentially including web-based exploitation through Internet Explorer or other browsers that support ActiveX controls, as well as potential local exploitation scenarios. This lack of specificity in attack vectors makes the vulnerability particularly concerning as it implies a broad range of possible exploitation methods.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2917 extends beyond simple remote code execution capabilities, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of systems that have the vulnerable antivirus software installed. When successfully exploited, this vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user or application context, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The ActiveX control's integration within the antivirus software creates a particularly dangerous scenario where an attacker could leverage the vulnerability to bypass security controls that the antivirus software is designed to provide. This creates a classic privilege escalation scenario where the malicious code execution occurs within the trusted antivirus environment, making detection and prevention significantly more challenging. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk to enterprise environments where antivirus software is widely deployed and often runs with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate remediation through software updates, with the recommended solution being the upgrade to Authentium Command Antivirus version 4.93.8 or later. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers and implementing strict application whitelisting policies that prevent execution of the vulnerable odapi.dll component. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through ActiveX components. Additional defensive measures include regular security assessments of installed antivirus software, implementation of network segmentation to limit lateral movement, and maintaining comprehensive incident response procedures that account for potential exploitation of security tool vulnerabilities. System administrators should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous execution patterns consistent with buffer overflow exploitation attempts.