CVE-2007-3286 in IP Soft Phone
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in unspecified ActiveX controls in COM objects in Avaya IP Softphone R5.2 before SP3, and R6.0, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3286 represents a critical security flaw affecting Avaya IP Softphone versions 5.2 prior to Service Pack 3 and version 6.0. This issue stems from multiple buffer overflows present in unspecified ActiveX controls embedded within COM objects, creating a significant attack surface for remote code execution. The flaw exists within the software's ActiveX component architecture, which is commonly used for extending browser functionality and integrating with desktop applications. These ActiveX controls operate within the Windows COM (Component Object Model) framework, making them particularly susceptible to exploitation due to the inherent trust models and memory management practices of the Windows operating system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves buffer overflow conditions that occur when the ActiveX controls process input data without proper bounds checking. When attackers craft malicious input sequences that exceed the allocated buffer space, they can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and may also relate to CWE-122 for heap-based buffer overflows. The exploitation typically occurs through web-based attack vectors where malicious websites can trigger the vulnerable ActiveX controls, leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected user. The COM object architecture provides additional attack surface since these components often have elevated privileges and can interact with system resources directly.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to compromised systems. Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The attack vector typically involves social engineering campaigns where users are tricked into visiting malicious websites that host exploit code, or through targeted phishing attacks that deliver malicious ActiveX components. This vulnerability affects enterprise environments where Avaya IP Softphone is deployed, potentially creating widespread compromise across organizations that rely on unified communications systems. The impact is particularly severe because ActiveX controls are often automatically downloaded and executed by web browsers, making user awareness insufficient protection against such attacks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches for Avaya IP Softphone versions 5.2 SP3 and 6.0, disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers when not required, and implementing network-based protections such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems. The mitigation strategy should align with ATT&CK framework tactic T1059, which covers execution techniques, and T1203, which addresses exploitation of remote services. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted ActiveX components and regularly audit system configurations to ensure that vulnerable software components are not present. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts, as these vulnerabilities often leave detectable traces in network traffic patterns and system logs. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing of patched systems to ensure that the vulnerability is fully resolved without introducing regressions in functionality.