CVE-2007-2981 in LEADTOOLS Raster OCR Document Object Library
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in a certain ActiveX control in LEAD Technologies LEADTOOLS Raster OCR Document Object Library (ltrdc14e.dll) 14.5.0.44 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long DictionaryFileName property.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2981 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the LEAD Technologies LEADTOOLS Raster OCR Document Object Library component. This specific issue affects version 14.5.0.44 of the ltrdc14e.dll ActiveX control which is part of the broader LEADTOOLS suite used for document processing and optical character recognition tasks. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the DictionaryFileName property handling mechanism, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the ActiveX control processes the DictionaryFileName property without proper bounds checking or length validation. When an attacker supplies an excessively long string value to this property through a malicious web page or compromised document, the control fails to properly validate the input size against its allocated buffer space. This allows the malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the program execution flow and enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of ActiveX controls that are commonly enabled in Internet Explorer browsers, making exploitation possible through web-based attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this weakness to install malware, modify system files, escalate privileges, or establish persistent backdoors within affected systems. The vulnerability affects organizations that utilize LEADTOOLS components for document processing, OCR applications, or any system that relies on the affected ActiveX control. Given that ActiveX controls were widely deployed in enterprise environments during the timeframe when this vulnerability existed, the potential attack surface was substantial, particularly in corporate networks where document processing applications were prevalent.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of unsafe string handling in legacy software components. The attack pattern follows typical remote code execution methodologies outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for command and script interpreter. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers, applying the vendor-provided patches, or implementing network-level restrictions that prevent access to potentially malicious content. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in software development practices, particularly for components that handle untrusted data from external sources.