CVE-2007-2931 in MSN Messenger
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in Microsoft MSN Messenger 6.2, 7.0, and 7.5, and Live Messenger 8.0 allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors involving video conversation handling in Web Cam and video chat sessions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2931 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting multiple versions of Microsoft MSN Messenger and Live Messenger clients. This flaw exists within the video conversation handling functionality of these instant messaging applications, specifically when processing webcam and video chat sessions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a heap-based buffer overflow, which occurs when more data is written to a heap-allocated buffer than it can accommodate, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking within the video chat processing modules of these messaging clients. When users engage in webcam or video chat sessions, the applications process incoming video data streams that contain metadata and frame information. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate the size or content of these video data packets, allowing an attacker to craft maliciously formatted video data that exceeds the allocated buffer space. This buffer overflow condition creates a memory corruption scenario where adjacent memory locations can be overwritten, potentially allowing an attacker to manipulate program execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables user-assisted remote code execution, meaning an attacker can only exploit this vulnerability when a user actively participates in a video chat session with the malicious party. However, the attack vector is particularly concerning because video chat sessions are common features in instant messaging applications, making this vulnerability exploitable in real-world scenarios. The attack requires the victim to accept an incoming video chat request and participate in the session, which could be achieved through social engineering tactics or by compromising the victim's contact list through other means.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059 technique for command and control communication, as well as T1068 for exploit development. The vulnerability also represents a classic example of a remote code execution flaw that could be leveraged for privilege escalation or system compromise. Organizations using these legacy messaging applications face substantial risk as these versions are no longer supported by Microsoft, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation without official patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing challenges of securing legacy software systems where vendors have discontinued support and security updates, creating persistent attack surfaces that can be exploited by threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate discontinuation of the affected MSN Messenger and Live Messenger versions, as no security patches are available for these legacy applications. Organizations should implement network-level controls to restrict access to instant messaging services, particularly those with video chat capabilities, and deploy endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block malicious video data streams. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of accepting video chat requests from unknown or untrusted parties remains crucial, as the vulnerability requires user participation to be exploited. Security teams should also monitor for any indicators of compromise related to these vulnerable applications and consider implementing network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software and the risks associated with using unsupported legacy applications in enterprise environments.