CVE-2007-3076 in ProgramChecker
Summary
by MITRE
A certain ActiveX control in sasatl.dll in Zenturi ProgramChecker allows remote attackers to download arbitrary files to the client system via the DownloadFile function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3076 resides within the ActiveX control component of Zenturi ProgramChecker software, specifically in the sasatl.dll library. This represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute unauthorized file operations on vulnerable client systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the inherent trust model of ActiveX controls, which are designed to run with elevated privileges in web browsers and other applications that support ActiveX technology.
The technical flaw manifests through the DownloadFile function within the sasatl.dll ActiveX control, which lacks proper input validation and access control mechanisms. This function allows attackers to specify arbitrary file paths and destinations on the client system, effectively bypassing normal file download restrictions that would typically be enforced by operating system security policies. The vulnerability essentially creates a remote code execution vector where attackers can manipulate the control to download malicious payloads directly to the victim's machine without proper authorization or user interaction.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise environments where Zenturi ProgramChecker is deployed. The attack surface expands considerably since ActiveX controls are commonly enabled in corporate browsers for legitimate business applications, creating opportunities for attackers to exploit this flaw through web-based delivery methods. The impact extends beyond simple file downloads as attackers could potentially install malware, backdoors, or other malicious components that persist on the compromised systems. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a classic example of a privilege escalation vulnerability that can be exploited through client-side attacks.
The attack scenario typically involves an attacker hosting malicious content on a web server and tricking users into visiting a compromised website or opening a malicious email attachment that contains a link to the exploit. Once the vulnerable ActiveX control is invoked through a web page, the DownloadFile function executes with the privileges of the user running the browser, potentially allowing full system compromise. This vulnerability has been classified under the ATT&CK framework as part of the T1195 technique for "Supply Chain Compromise" or T1203 for "Exploitation for Client Execution" depending on the specific attack vector used.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers, removing the vulnerable Zenturi ProgramChecker software from affected systems, and applying patches from the vendor if available. Network segmentation and web filtering solutions should be configured to block access to known malicious domains that may host exploit code. Security teams should also monitor for unusual file download activities and implement endpoint detection and response solutions to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms in client-side components, particularly those with elevated privileges, and serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks associated with legacy ActiveX technologies in modern security environments.