CVE-2007-3666 in Norton Ghost
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in RemoteCommand.DLL in Symantec Norton Ghost 12.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the Connect function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3666 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the RemoteCommand.DLL component of Symantec Norton Ghost 12.0 software. This vulnerability exists in the network communication handling mechanisms of the software, specifically within the Connect function that manages remote connections. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking when processing data received through network connections, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system access. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker sends specially crafted data to the Connect function within RemoteCommand.DLL. The function fails to properly validate the length of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size buffers, enabling attackers to overflow these buffers and overwrite critical memory segments including return addresses and function pointers. This memory corruption can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow to attacker-controlled code, effectively allowing remote code execution without authentication. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the network level, meaning attackers can exploit it from external networks without requiring local system access or user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Once successfully exploited, attackers can establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, and access sensitive data stored on systems running vulnerable versions of Norton Ghost. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Norton Ghost for system imaging and backup operations, as these systems often run with elevated privileges and may be accessible from untrusted networks. Security professionals categorize this vulnerability under the ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting how attackers can leverage network-based vulnerabilities to achieve initial access and system control. The widespread use of Norton Ghost in enterprise environments amplifies the potential impact, as a single compromised system could provide attackers with access to multiple network segments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3666 should focus on immediate patch deployment from Symantec, which addressed the buffer overflow through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations must implement network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict access to systems running Norton Ghost, particularly limiting exposure of the affected ports and services. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, including unusual data payloads or connection attempts to the vulnerable Connect function. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of Norton Ghost 12.0 across the network and ensure proper patch management processes are in place to prevent similar issues in other software components. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation in network services and the potential for remote code execution vulnerabilities to provide attackers with complete system compromise capabilities.