CVE-2007-4248 in Toolbar Gaming
Summary
by MITRE
The CallCmd function in toolbar_gaming.dll in the Toolbar Gaming toolbar for Internet Explorer allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (NULL dereference and browser crash) via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4248 resides within the Toolbar Gaming toolbar component for Internet Explorer, specifically within the toolbar_gaming.dll library's CallCmd function. This flaw represents a classic null pointer dereference vulnerability that can be exploited by remote attackers to trigger a denial of service condition. The issue manifests when the CallCmd function attempts to access a NULL pointer, leading to an abrupt browser crash and complete service disruption for affected users. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in browser toolbars as they operate with elevated privileges and can be triggered through simple web page interactions without requiring user consent or specific actions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it firmly within the scope of CWE-476, which categorizes null pointer dereference conditions as a fundamental programming error that can lead to system instability and crash conditions. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and memory management practices within the toolbar component, where the CallCmd function fails to properly check for NULL values before attempting to dereference pointers. This particular weakness allows attackers to craft malicious web content or manipulate existing web pages in such a way that when the toolbar processes the request, it attempts to execute operations on uninitialized or invalid memory references, resulting in immediate browser termination.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for users who have the Toolbar Gaming toolbar installed, as it can be exploited through routine web browsing activities. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the target system or any special privileges to trigger the vulnerability. Once exploited, the browser crash effectively prevents users from accessing web content until the browser is manually restarted, creating an availability impact that can be particularly disruptive in enterprise environments where multiple users rely on consistent browser functionality. The vulnerability also demonstrates the broader security risks associated with third-party browser toolbars, which often introduce additional attack surface beyond the core browser functionality.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to represent a potential vector for more sophisticated attacks, as the browser crash can be used to disrupt user workflows and create opportunities for social engineering or additional exploitation attempts. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1211 which covers exploitation for defense evasion through application or system manipulation. Mitigation strategies should include immediate removal of the affected toolbar component, application of vendor patches when available, and implementation of browser security policies that restrict the execution of potentially malicious toolbar components. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based protections and monitoring for unusual browser crash patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining updated browser components and regularly auditing installed toolbars for security compliance, as these third-party extensions often lack the security rigor of core browser functionality.