CVE-2007-3168 in Office Viewer Component
Summary
by MITRE
A certain ActiveX control in the EDraw Office Viewer Component (edrawofficeviewer.ocx) 4.0.5.20, and other versions before 5.0, allows remote attackers to delete arbitrary files via the DeleteLocalFile method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2024
The CVE-2007-3168 vulnerability represents a critical file deletion flaw within the EDraw Office Viewer Component ActiveX control, specifically affecting version 4.0.5.20 and earlier releases. This vulnerability exists within a widely deployed office document viewing component that enables web-based document rendering and manipulation. The flaw manifests through the DeleteLocalFile method which exposes an insecure file deletion functionality that can be remotely exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object reference and improper input validation, as detailed in CWE-22 and CWE-23. The ActiveX control's design permits arbitrary file deletion operations without proper authentication or authorization checks, creating a significant security risk for systems where the component is installed.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers leverage the DeleteLocalFile method to target files on the victim's system. The flaw allows attackers to specify arbitrary file paths for deletion, bypassing normal file system access controls and permissions. This method essentially provides a direct interface to the underlying operating system's file deletion capabilities, enabling attackers to remove critical system files, user documents, or sensitive data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the file system level, potentially allowing attackers to delete system-critical files that could compromise the entire system's functionality. This type of vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1486 for data destruction, as it enables unauthorized file deletion operations that can lead to system compromise or data loss.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-3168 extends beyond simple file deletion, as it creates a persistent security weakness that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. When exploited, this vulnerability can facilitate further system compromise by removing security-related files or creating backdoors through file manipulation. Organizations running affected versions of the EDraw Office Viewer Component face significant risk, particularly in environments where ActiveX controls are enabled in web browsers. The vulnerability affects systems where the component is installed and actively used for document viewing, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or cause operational disruption. The lack of proper input validation in the DeleteLocalFile method means that attackers can craft malicious requests that bypass normal file system security boundaries, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the root cause of the insecure file deletion functionality. The primary remediation involves upgrading to version 5.0 or later of the EDraw Office Viewer Component, which contains proper input validation and access controls for file operations. Organizations should also implement strict ActiveX control restrictions and disable unnecessary ActiveX components in web browsers to prevent exploitation. Network-based mitigations include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious requests targeting the vulnerable DeleteLocalFile method. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected component and ensure proper access controls are in place. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and ISO/IEC 27001 security standards. Regular security updates and patch management processes are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future, particularly in legacy systems where ActiveX controls remain in use.