CVE-2007-3027 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Race condition in Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01, 6, and 7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by causing Internet Explorer to install multiple language packs in a way that triggers memory corruption, aka "Language Pack Installation Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2021
The CVE-2007-3027 vulnerability represents a critical race condition flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 5.01, 6, and 7 that enables remote code execution through improper handling of language pack installations. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of software installation processes and memory management, creating a window where malicious actors can exploit temporal inconsistencies in the browser's language pack handling mechanism. The flaw specifically manifests when Internet Explorer processes multiple language pack installations concurrently, leading to unpredictable memory states that can be manipulated by attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability's classification as a race condition aligns with CWE-362, which describes the weakness of concurrent execution with shared resources, making it particularly dangerous in multi-threaded environments where timing and resource access patterns are crucial for system stability. This particular vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly routine software installation processes can become attack vectors when proper synchronization mechanisms are absent.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2007-3027 relies on the browser's failure to properly synchronize access to shared memory resources during language pack installation procedures. When multiple language packs are processed simultaneously, the race condition creates opportunities for memory corruption that attackers can leverage to inject and execute malicious code within the Internet Explorer process context. The vulnerability specifically targets the installation phase of language packs, where the browser's installer does not adequately protect against concurrent access to critical memory segments, leading to buffer overflows or memory corruption that can be directly exploited. This type of vulnerability is particularly insidious because it requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it suitable for automated exploitation campaigns. The attack vector operates through web-based delivery mechanisms that trigger the vulnerable installation path, effectively bypassing traditional browser security boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise, as attackers can leverage the privilege escalation inherent in browser processes to gain elevated system access. Systems running vulnerable versions of Internet Explorer become susceptible to full system takeover, with attackers able to install malware, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects organizations across various sectors including government, financial services, and critical infrastructure, where the presence of outdated Internet Explorer installations creates significant exposure windows. Security professionals note that this vulnerability particularly affects legacy systems where patch management processes are inadequate or where older browser versions are maintained for compatibility reasons, creating persistent attack surfaces that remain unaddressed for extended periods. The vulnerability's exploitation characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers can leverage the executed code to establish further footholds within compromised networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3027 require immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the vulnerability cannot be effectively addressed through configuration changes alone. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures that prioritize critical vulnerabilities, particularly those affecting legacy browser versions that are no longer supported. Network segmentation and browser isolation techniques can provide additional defense layers, while monitoring for suspicious language pack installation activities can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's exploitation timeline makes it particularly dangerous for organizations with delayed patch deployment processes, emphasizing the importance of proactive security measures. Security teams should also implement web application firewalls and content filtering mechanisms to prevent access to malicious websites that may trigger this vulnerability, while maintaining awareness of the ATT&CK framework's guidance on browser-based attack patterns to better understand and defend against similar threats. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should specifically target legacy Internet Explorer installations to identify and remediate exposed systems before they can be exploited in real-world attacks.