CVE-2007-3984 in ProgramChecker
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in a certain ActiveX control in the NixonMyPrograms class in sasatl.dll 1.5.0.531 in Zenturi ProgramChecker allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long argument to the Scan method. NOTE: this is probably a different issue than CVE-2007-2987.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-3984 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the NixonMyPrograms ActiveX control component of Zenturi ProgramChecker version 1.5.0.531. This specific issue resides in the sasatl.dll library and manifests through the Scan method of the NixonMyPrograms class, creating a significant security risk that can be exploited remotely. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the ActiveX control, where the application fails to properly bounds-check the length of arguments passed to the Scan method, allowing malicious actors to craft specially crafted inputs that exceed the allocated buffer space. This particular flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category of CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the buffer overflow can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted within enterprise environments where ActiveX controls are commonly deployed for system monitoring and security assessment purposes. When exploited, the buffer overflow allows remote attackers to inject and execute malicious code on systems running vulnerable versions of Zenturi ProgramChecker, potentially enabling privilege escalation attacks, persistent backdoor installation, and unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. The attack vector requires minimal user interaction as the vulnerability can be triggered through web-based attacks or malicious ActiveX content delivery, making it particularly dangerous in corporate networks where such controls may be automatically deployed or accessed through web portals. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically targeting the ActiveX component architecture that was prevalent in Windows environments during the 2007 timeframe, and represents a classic example of how legacy software components can harbor critical security flaws that remain unpatched in enterprise environments. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of ActiveX controls for code execution, and demonstrates how deprecated technologies continue to pose security risks even after their original threat landscape has evolved.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3984 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural considerations within enterprise security frameworks. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems by updating to newer versions of Zenturi ProgramChecker that contain fixed ActiveX controls, while simultaneously implementing network-level restrictions to prevent unauthorized ActiveX content execution. The recommended approach includes disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible, implementing application whitelisting policies, and establishing strict network segmentation controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, security administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable ActiveX controls within their environments, as this vulnerability likely represents a pattern of insecure coding practices that may exist in other legacy software components. The mitigation efforts should also incorporate regular security audits of ActiveX control deployments and establish monitoring procedures to detect anomalous behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, while ensuring that security policies explicitly address the risks associated with legacy ActiveX-based applications that continue to operate in modern enterprise environments.