CVE-2007-2924 in GameHouse
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in RealNetworks GameHouse dldisplay ActiveX control (ghdlctl.dll) allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2924 represents a critical security flaw within the RealNetworks GameHouse dldisplay ActiveX control component known as ghdlctl.dll. This ActiveX control is designed to facilitate gaming experiences within web browsers and desktop applications, but it contains multiple buffer overflow conditions that create significant attack surface for malicious actors. The vulnerability exists in the way the control handles input data during processing, specifically when managing dynamic display elements for gaming content. These buffer overflows occur in the control's memory management routines where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on vulnerable systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow scenarios. The attack vectors remain unspecified in the original CVE description but typically involve malicious web pages or downloadable content that triggers the vulnerable ActiveX control when users visit compromised sites or download infected files. When the control processes malformed input data, the buffer overflow conditions can be exploited to overwrite critical memory locations including return addresses and function pointers, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow and inject malicious code into the target system's memory space. The exploitation requires user interaction through web browsers or applications that load the vulnerable ActiveX control, making social engineering attacks particularly effective in compromising systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2924 extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent access for attackers. This vulnerability affects systems running vulnerable versions of RealNetworks GameHouse software and any applications that utilize the ghdlctl.dll ActiveX control. The threat landscape for this vulnerability includes various attack techniques documented under the ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to exploitation of known vulnerabilities and privilege escalation through malicious code execution. The attack surface is broad as the vulnerability affects multiple versions of the RealNetworks GameHouse platform and can be triggered through various delivery mechanisms including malicious websites, email attachments, and compromised software installations. Organizations using legacy systems or those that have not updated their RealNetworks software components remain particularly vulnerable to these attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2924 should include immediate patching of affected RealNetworks GameHouse software components and the complete removal of vulnerable ActiveX controls from systems. System administrators should implement browser security policies that disable ActiveX controls or restrict their execution to trusted sites only. The use of application whitelisting technologies can prevent execution of unauthorized ActiveX controls, while network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. Regular security assessments should verify that all RealNetworks components have been properly updated and that vulnerable ActiveX controls have been completely removed from systems. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of visiting untrusted websites and downloading unknown software remains crucial in preventing successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing ActiveX-based vulnerabilities.