CVE-2007-3675 in Online Scanner
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple format string vulnerabilities in the kavwebscan.CKAVWebScan ActiveX control (kavwebscan.dll) in Kaspersky Online Scanner before 5.0.98 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in "various string formatting functions," which trigger heap-based buffer overflows.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2021
The CVE-2007-3675 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the Kaspersky Online Scanner software, specifically within the kavwebscan.CKAVWebScan ActiveX control. This vulnerability exists in versions prior to 5.0.98 and stems from improper handling of user-supplied input within various string formatting functions. The ActiveX control is designed to provide web-based antivirus scanning capabilities, but the implementation contains fundamental flaws that make it susceptible to exploitation by remote attackers. The vulnerability is classified as a format string vulnerability, which occurs when an application uses user-provided data as format strings without proper validation or sanitization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through heap-based buffer overflows that are triggered by maliciously crafted format string specifiers. When the kavwebscan.dll ActiveX control processes these malformed input strings through its various string formatting functions, it fails to properly validate the format specifiers, leading to memory corruption. The heap-based buffer overflow allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the compromised application. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through web browsers without requiring any additional user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-134, which describes the weakness of using user-supplied format strings without proper validation.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-3675 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a complete compromise of the affected system's security posture. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malware, steal sensitive information, or establish persistent access to systems running vulnerable versions of the Kaspersky Online Scanner. The attack surface is broad since the ActiveX control is designed to run within web browsers, making it accessible to users who visit malicious websites or click on compromised links. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of scripting languages to execute malicious code, as the exploitation typically involves JavaScript or other web-based scripting elements to trigger the vulnerable ActiveX control. The vulnerability creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter malicious content, potentially leading to widespread compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3675 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper software updates and security hardening measures. The primary and most effective mitigation is to upgrade to Kaspersky Online Scanner version 5.0.98 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the format string vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement browser security measures such as disabling ActiveX controls, implementing content security policies, and using web application firewalls to filter malicious requests. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any systems running vulnerable versions and ensure that all ActiveX controls are properly configured with appropriate security restrictions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when dealing with user-supplied data in applications that handle sensitive security functions. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and limit the lateral movement of attackers who successfully compromise systems through this vulnerability.