CVE-2007-3162 in Internet Download Accelerator
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the NotSafe function in the idaiehlp ActiveX control in idaiehlp.dll 1.9.1.74 in Internet Download Accelerator (ida) 5.2 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (Internet Explorer crash) via a long argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3162 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the idaiehlp ActiveX control component of Internet Download Accelerator version 5.2. This specific issue resides in the NotSafe function of the idaiehlp.dll library version 1.9.1.74, creating a significant security risk for users operating Internet Explorer browsers. The vulnerability manifests when the ActiveX control processes a malformed argument that exceeds the allocated buffer space, leading to unpredictable behavior and system instability.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from inadequate input validation within the NotSafe function, which fails to properly check the length of incoming arguments before processing them. This flaw directly maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability specifically affects the ActiveX control's memory management practices, where fixed-size buffers are used without proper size validation mechanisms, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered through web page interactions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a serious threat to system availability and user safety, as remote attackers can leverage this flaw to induce denial of service conditions in Internet Explorer browsers. When exploited, the buffer overflow causes Internet Explorer to crash and terminate unexpectedly, effectively disrupting user sessions and potentially providing attackers with a means to execute further malicious activities. The attack vector requires minimal user interaction, as the vulnerability can be triggered simply by visiting a malicious web page that loads the vulnerable ActiveX control, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or drive-by download scenarios.
The security implications extend beyond simple service disruption, as this vulnerability demonstrates poor software development practices that could enable more sophisticated attacks if combined with other exploits. The use of ActiveX controls in Internet Explorer creates a unique attack surface where client-side vulnerabilities can be weaponized to compromise entire user systems. Organizations should consider implementing browser security policies that restrict ActiveX control loading or disable these controls entirely when they are not essential for business operations. Additionally, this vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments and patch management processes, as the flaw existed in widely distributed software versions and could be exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise. The remediation approach requires immediate patching of the affected software components and implementation of browser security restrictions to prevent automatic loading of potentially vulnerable ActiveX controls, aligning with recommended practices outlined in the ATT&CK framework for mitigating browser-based attack vectors.