CVE-2007-3296 in Web Thunderbolt
Summary
by MITRE
The ThunderServer.webThunder.1 ActiveX control in xunlei Web Thunderbolt 1.7.3.109 allows remote attackers to download arbitrary files and conduct other unauthorized actions by invoking dangerous methods.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3296 resides within the ThunderServer.webThunder.1 ActiveX control component of xunlei Web Thunderbolt version 1.7.3.109, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary file operations and perform unauthorized actions on affected systems. This ActiveX control, designed to facilitate torrent downloading functionality within web browsers, contains dangerous methods that can be invoked through malicious web pages, creating a significant attack surface for remote exploitation. The flaw fundamentally stems from inadequate input validation and improper access controls within the ActiveX control implementation, allowing attackers to bypass normal security boundaries that should protect system resources from unauthorized access. This vulnerability type falls under CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and specifically relates to CWE-73, allowing external control of file name or path, both of which are common entry points for file manipulation attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the invocation of dangerous methods exposed by the ActiveX control, which enables attackers to download arbitrary files to the victim's system without proper authorization. The control's implementation lacks proper sandboxing mechanisms and security restrictions that would normally prevent such unrestricted file operations from occurring within the browser context. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that automatically invoke these dangerous methods when loaded, triggering file downloads or system modifications without user consent or awareness. The attack vector leverages the trust relationship between web browsers and ActiveX controls, where users typically have ActiveX controls enabled by default, making exploitation relatively straightforward and highly effective against unpatched systems. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1195.001 for "Supply Chain Compromise" and T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript", as attackers can leverage these controls to execute malicious code through web-based delivery mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file downloads to encompass broader system compromise potential through the execution of arbitrary code and unauthorized actions. Systems running the affected Web Thunderbolt software become vulnerable to persistent threats where attackers can establish footholds through malicious file downloads, potentially installing malware or backdoors. The vulnerability affects users who browse the internet and encounter malicious web content, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may inadvertently visit compromised websites or receive phishing emails containing malicious links. Organizations may experience unauthorized data access, system integrity compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments if attackers leverage this vulnerability as an initial access point. The risk is amplified by the fact that ActiveX controls are typically installed with elevated privileges, meaning that successful exploitation can potentially result in system-level compromise rather than just user-level access. Network security monitoring should specifically look for unusual file download patterns and ActiveX control usage as indicators of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability represents a classic example of how legacy software components can contain critical security flaws that persist for years without proper patching, emphasizing the importance of regular security assessments and software maintenance.