CVE-2007-3459 in Avax Vector Activex
Summary
by MITRE
A certain ActiveX control in Avaxswf.dll 1.0.0.1 in Civitech Avax Vector 1.3 allows remote attackers to create or overwrite arbitrary files via a full pathname in the argument to the WriteMovie method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3459 represents a critical file system manipulation flaw within the Avax Vector 1.3 software suite, specifically affecting the Avaxswf.dll ActiveX control version 1.0.0.1. This issue arises from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the WriteMovie method, which accepts user-supplied arguments containing full pathnames without proper sanitization or verification. The ActiveX control, designed for multimedia content handling, exposes a dangerous privilege escalation vector that allows remote attackers to manipulate the file system of vulnerable systems. The flaw exists at the application layer where the control fails to validate the legitimacy of file paths provided by external sources, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to specify arbitrary file locations for creation or modification. This vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles of input validation and privilege separation, as the control operates with elevated permissions that enable destructive file system operations. The security implications extend beyond simple file manipulation to potential system compromise through strategic file placement, particularly when the affected software runs with administrative privileges or in environments where the control has access to critical system directories.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the WriteMovie method's argument parameter, which accepts a full pathname string that the control processes without adequate security checks. When a remote attacker crafts a malicious argument containing a full path specification, the ActiveX control executes the operation without validating whether the specified path is legitimate or whether the application has appropriate permissions to create or overwrite files at that location. This behavior creates multiple attack vectors, including the potential to overwrite system-critical files, create backdoor executables, or place malicious code in directories accessible to other system components. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that ActiveX controls often run with elevated privileges, particularly when installed in web browsers or other trusted environments, allowing attackers to bypass normal file system access controls. The flaw can be classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", which specifically addresses the issue of inadequate validation of file paths in applications. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1078.002 for "Valid Accounts: Domain Accounts" when attackers leverage the ability to write files to system directories.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-3459 extends far beyond simple file system manipulation, potentially enabling complete system compromise through strategic exploitation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access by creating malicious files in system directories or startup locations, effectively bypassing normal security controls and creating footholds for further attacks. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local system access to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in web-based environments where the ActiveX control might be loaded automatically. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Civitech Avax Vector 1.3 face significant risk of data corruption, system instability, and potential complete system compromise. The attack surface includes not only direct file manipulation but also indirect exploitation paths such as placing malicious code in locations where it can be executed by legitimate system processes or users. Network administrators should consider this vulnerability as a potential entry point for broader attacks, as successful exploitation can lead to privilege escalation, lateral movement, and data exfiltration. The vulnerability's presence in an ActiveX control also means that it can be triggered through web browsers, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where browser-based attacks are common and traditional network perimeter defenses may not prevent exploitation. The lack of proper input validation in this control demonstrates a fundamental failure in secure coding practices and highlights the critical importance of validating all external inputs, particularly those that can affect system resources or file system operations. This vulnerability serves as a prime example of why organizations must maintain up-to-date security practices and why legacy software components with known vulnerabilities should be immediately addressed through patching or removal from production environments.