CVE-2007-3649 in Photo Digital Imaging Activex Control
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in a certain ActiveX control in hpqvwocx.dll 2.1.0.556 in Hewlett-Packard (HP) Digital Imaging allows remote attackers to create or overwrite arbitrary files via the second argument to the SaveToFile method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3649 represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw within Hewlett-Packard's Digital Imaging ActiveX control component hpqvwocx.dll version 2.1.0.556. This security weakness resides in the implementation of the SaveToFile method which fails to properly validate file path inputs, creating an avenue for malicious exploitation. The vulnerability specifically affects the second argument of the SaveToFile method, where attackers can manipulate file paths to target arbitrary locations on the victim system. This flaw stems from inadequate input sanitization and path validation mechanisms within the ActiveX control, allowing remote threat actors to bypass normal file access restrictions and execute unauthorized file operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a path traversal pattern that aligns with CWE-22, which catalogs improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious inputs that contain absolute path references, enabling them to write files to critical system locations such as the Windows system directory, application directories, or other sensitive areas. The vulnerability's remote nature means that threat actors do not require local system access to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through web-based attacks or malicious ActiveX content delivered via compromised websites. The ActiveX control's design flaw allows for direct file system manipulation without proper authorization checks, creating a pathway for arbitrary file creation or overwriting operations that can be used for persistent malware deployment or system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-3649 extends beyond simple file manipulation to encompass potential system compromise and persistent threat capabilities. Remote attackers can use this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify system files, or overwrite critical components of the imaging software, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's presence in a widely distributed ActiveX control means that numerous systems could be affected simultaneously, particularly those running older versions of HP Digital Imaging software. Attackers can leverage this weakness to deploy malicious payloads that persist across system reboots, establish command and control channels, or create covert access points within the target environment. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Remote Services and T1566 for Phishing with Malicious Attachments demonstrates how this flaw can be exploited as part of broader attack chains, particularly in social engineering campaigns targeting users who might interact with compromised web content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3649 require a multi-layered approach that addresses both immediate security concerns and long-term system hardening. System administrators should immediately disable or remove the vulnerable ActiveX control from affected systems, particularly in environments where ActiveX is not essential for business operations. The implementation of strict ActiveX content restrictions through group policies and browser security settings can prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious ActiveX components. Additionally, network-level controls such as application whitelisting and web application firewalls should be configured to block suspicious ActiveX content and file path manipulation attempts. Regular system updates and patches should be implemented to ensure that all HP Digital Imaging components are running the latest secure versions, while endpoint protection solutions should be configured to monitor for unauthorized file system modifications. The vulnerability's remediation aligns with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-128 for application security and emphasizes the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices as recommended in the OWASP Top Ten security framework.