CVE-2007-3983 in ActiveReports
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in the Data Dynamics DDActiveReports2.ActiveReport.2 (ActiveReports) ActiveX control in arpro2.dll in ActiveReports 2.0 Professional Edition 2.5.0.1308 (SP5 RC) allows remote attackers to create or overwrite arbitrary files via a full pathname in an argument to the SaveLayout method. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2018
The CVE-2007-3983 vulnerability represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw within the Data Dynamics ActiveReports 2.0 Professional Edition ActiveX control. This vulnerability exists in the arpro2.dll library and specifically affects the SaveLayout method of the DDActiveReports2.ActiveReport.2 component. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate file system operations by providing a full pathname as an argument, potentially enabling arbitrary file creation or overwriting on the target system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of file paths within the ActiveX control's file operations interface. This issue is particularly dangerous because ActiveX controls are often deployed in web environments where they can be remotely accessed and exploited without user interaction.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic path traversal attack vector where the ActiveX control fails to sanitize or validate the file path parameter passed to the SaveLayout method. When an attacker supplies a full absolute path, the control executes the file operation without proper validation, allowing the creation or modification of files outside of intended directories. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and input sanitization, as the control operates with elevated permissions typically associated with system-level file operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices for file system access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file manipulation, as it provides attackers with potential persistence mechanisms and data exfiltration capabilities. An attacker could overwrite critical system files, install malicious payloads, or create backdoor access points by leveraging this path traversal vulnerability. The attack surface is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where ActiveX controls are often deployed for reporting and data visualization purposes, as these controls may run with elevated privileges. This vulnerability can be exploited through web browsers that support ActiveX, making it accessible to attackers who can deliver malicious payloads through compromised websites or phishing campaigns. The risk is further amplified by the fact that many organizations still maintain legacy systems that support ActiveX controls, creating persistent attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3983 should focus on immediate removal or disabling of the vulnerable ActiveX control from affected systems. Organizations must implement strict ActiveX control management policies and ensure that only trusted and updated components are deployed in production environments. Network-level controls such as firewall rules and web application firewalls should be configured to block access to ActiveX content when possible. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected ActiveReports control and ensure proper patching or replacement. The vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when dealing with file system operations in client-side components. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting ActiveX control execution to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. This case serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and the dangers associated with legacy ActiveX technologies in modern security environments. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation flaws can lead to significant security breaches and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of client-side components.