CVE-2007-2987 in ProgramChecker
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in certain ActiveX controls in sasatl.dll in Zenturi ProgramChecker allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, possibly involving the (1) DebugMsgLog or (2) DoFileProperties methods.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2987 represents a critical security flaw within the Zenturi ProgramChecker software suite, specifically affecting ActiveX controls implemented in the sasatl.dll library. This class of vulnerability falls under the broader category of buffer overflow conditions that have long been recognized as one of the most dangerous software defects due to their potential for arbitrary code execution. The affected ActiveX controls are designed to provide system monitoring and diagnostic capabilities but have been found to contain multiple exploitable buffer overflows that could be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the DebugMsgLog and DoFileProperties methods of the sasatl.dll ActiveX control. These methods fail to properly bounds-check user-supplied input data before copying it into fixed-length memory buffers, creating conditions where an attacker can overflow these buffers and overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow, allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need local system access to leverage this weakness, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where ActiveX controls are frequently used for web-based system diagnostics.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2987 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a complete compromise of system integrity and confidentiality. When successfully exploited, these buffer overflows can enable attackers to install backdoors, modify system configurations, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability affects organizations running Zenturi ProgramChecker software, which is commonly deployed in enterprise environments for system monitoring and compliance checking, making the potential attack surface particularly broad. The fact that multiple methods within the same ActiveX control are affected increases the attack surface and reduces the effectiveness of simple code patches, as attackers may be able to choose the most suitable exploitation vector based on the target environment.
Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflows, both of which are common entry points for attacker techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.1003 technique for command and scripting interpreter. The exploitation of such vulnerabilities typically involves crafting malicious input that exceeds buffer capacity, followed by careful manipulation of the stack or heap to achieve code execution. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible, applying vendor patches if available, and monitoring network traffic for exploitation attempts. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly in components that are exposed to untrusted data sources, as highlighted by the OWASP Top Ten security risks and the CERT/CC secure coding guidelines.