CVE-2007-3040 in Microsoft
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in agentdpv.dll 2.0.0.3425 in Microsoft Agent on Windows 2000 SP4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted URL to the Agent (Agent.Control) ActiveX control, which triggers an overflow within the Agent Service (agentsrv.exe) process, a different issue than CVE-2007-1205.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-3040 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the Microsoft Agent component, specifically affecting agentdpv.dll version 2.0.0.3425 running on Windows 2000 Service Pack 4. This flaw exists within the Agent Control ActiveX control implementation and demonstrates a classic software security weakness that enables remote code execution through crafted input manipulation. The vulnerability operates through the Agent Service process known as agentsrv.exe, which processes malicious input through the vulnerable ActiveX control interface.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves a stack buffer overflow condition that occurs when the Agent.Control ActiveX control receives a specially crafted URL parameter. This flaw stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the agentdpv.dll library, allowing attackers to overflow the allocated stack space and overwrite critical memory locations including return addresses and function pointers. The attack vector specifically targets the ActiveX control interface which is designed to handle URL requests from web browsers and other applications, making it accessible through web-based exploitation scenarios. The vulnerability is distinct from CVE-2007-1205 as it operates through a different code path and process execution flow within the Microsoft Agent architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to enable full remote code execution capabilities for attackers. When successfully exploited, the buffer overflow allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the Agent Service process, which typically runs with elevated privileges. This presents a significant threat to system integrity and confidentiality, as attackers can potentially establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges further, or access sensitive system resources. The vulnerability affects Windows 2000 SP4 systems specifically, making it particularly concerning for legacy environments that may not receive security updates. The attack requires minimal user interaction since the ActiveX control can be triggered through web browsing activities, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently access untrusted web content.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch application through Microsoft security updates, which would address the underlying buffer overflow in the agentdpv.dll library. Organizations should implement ActiveX control restrictions and browser security settings to prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious ActiveX components. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit exposure by blocking access to systems running Microsoft Agent services where possible. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow classification and represents a technique commonly used in exploit development methodologies. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to initial access and execution phases, specifically leveraging ActiveX controls for remote code execution. System administrators should also consider disabling Microsoft Agent services entirely if they are not required for business operations, as this provides an additional layer of defense against exploitation attempts.