CVE-2007-2920 in Zoomify Viewer ActiveX control
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in the Zoomify Viewer ActiveX control in ZActiveX.dll might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2024
The CVE-2007-2920 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the Zoomify Viewer ActiveX control, specifically within the ZActiveX.dll component that is widely used for displaying high-resolution images in web browsers. This vulnerability manifests as multiple stack-based buffer overflows, which occur when the ActiveX control processes user-supplied input without proper bounds checking, creating opportunities for malicious code execution. The flaw exists in the handling of image data and viewer parameters that are passed to the control, making it particularly dangerous in web environments where users might encounter malicious content through compromised websites or phishing attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the Zoomify Viewer ActiveX control, which fails to enforce size limitations on data buffers allocated on the stack. When an attacker crafts malicious input parameters or image data that exceeds the predetermined buffer sizes, the overflow can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers. This memory corruption allows attackers to manipulate the execution flow of the vulnerable application, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the affected software. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because ActiveX controls are typically executed with elevated privileges in Internet Explorer environments, amplifying the potential impact of successful exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2920 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant vector for privilege escalation attacks within corporate and enterprise environments where ActiveX controls are commonly deployed. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems, potentially establishing persistent backdoors or deploying additional malware payloads. The vulnerability affects systems running Windows operating systems with Internet Explorer and the Zoomify Viewer ActiveX control installed, making it particularly dangerous in environments where legacy web applications continue to rely on ActiveX technologies for image display functionality. Organizations with outdated systems or those that have not implemented proper patch management procedures face heightened risk from this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2920 should include immediate patching of the affected Zoomify Viewer ActiveX control, which was provided by the vendor to address the buffer overflow conditions. System administrators should also implement network-level controls such as disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers, particularly in environments where they are not strictly required for business operations. The implementation of application whitelisting policies can prevent unauthorized ActiveX controls from executing, while regular security assessments should identify and remediate other potentially vulnerable components within the application stack. Organizations should also consider migrating away from ActiveX-based technologies toward modern web standards such as HTML5 and JavaScript-based image viewers that do not carry the same security risks associated with legacy ActiveX controls. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through ActiveX controls, highlighting the need for comprehensive endpoint protection strategies that address both legacy technologies and emerging attack vectors in the cybersecurity landscape.