CVE-2007-2928 in Access Support
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the IBM Lenovo Access Support acpRunner ActiveX control, as distributed in acpcontroller.dll before 1.2.8.0 and possibly acpir.dll before 1.0.0.9 (Automated Solutions 1.0 before fix pack 1), allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in unknown data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2025
The CVE-2007-2928 vulnerability represents a critical format string vulnerability within the IBM Lenovo Access Support acpRunner ActiveX control, specifically affecting components distributed in acpcontroller.dll versions prior to 1.2.8.0 and potentially acpir.dll versions before 1.0.0.9. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-134 category of Format String Vulnerability, which occurs when a program uses user-supplied data as the format string parameter in functions like printf or sprintf without proper validation. The affected ActiveX control is part of the Automated Solutions 1.0 framework, which provides system management and automation capabilities for lenovo computers. The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of user input within the ActiveX control's internal functions, where format specifiers from external data sources are directly processed without sanitization.
The technical flaw manifests when the acpRunner ActiveX control processes unknown data containing format string specifiers, allowing attackers to manipulate the program's execution flow through carefully crafted malicious input. This type of vulnerability enables attackers to read arbitrary memory locations, overwrite critical program variables, and ultimately execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in ActiveX contexts because these components often run with elevated privileges and have extensive system access capabilities. Attackers can exploit this by embedding malicious format specifiers in data passed to the vulnerable ActiveX control, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables arbitrary code execution that can be leveraged for further malicious activities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it allows remote code execution without requiring user interaction once the malicious ActiveX control is loaded in a web browser or application context. Systems running vulnerable versions of the IBM Lenovo Access Support software become susceptible to exploitation through web-based attacks, potentially enabling attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to affected systems. The vulnerability affects not only individual workstations but also enterprise environments where these ActiveX controls might be deployed across multiple machines. Organizations using legacy Lenovo systems with the Automated Solutions framework are particularly at risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious websites, phishing emails, or compromised web applications that load the vulnerable ActiveX control. This vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing risks associated with outdated ActiveX components and highlights the importance of timely security updates.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2928 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates to versions 1.2.8.0 or later for acpcontroller.dll and 1.0.0.9 or later for acpir.dll, as well as applying the appropriate fix packs for Automated Solutions 1.0. Organizations should implement browser security policies that disable ActiveX controls or restrict their execution to trusted sites only. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify other potentially vulnerable ActiveX controls or legacy software components within the enterprise environment. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized ActiveX controls and monitor for suspicious network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and the inherent risks associated with deprecated technologies in enterprise security environments.