CVE-2007-4336 in DirectX Media
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the Live Picture Corporation DXSurface.LivePicture.FlashPix.1 (DirectTransform FlashPix) ActiveX control in DXTLIPI.DLL 6.0.2.827, as packaged in Microsoft DirectX Media 6.0 SDK, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long SourceUrl property value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4336 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the DXSurface.LivePicture.FlashPix.1 ActiveX control component of Microsoft DirectX Media 6.0 SDK. This specific ActiveX control is implemented through the DXTLIPI.DLL library version 6.0.2.827 and is susceptible to exploitation through manipulation of the SourceUrl property parameter. The flaw manifests as a classic buffer overflow condition where insufficient input validation permits an attacker to provide an excessively long string value that exceeds the allocated memory buffer space, leading to memory corruption and potential code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the ActiveX control's handling of the SourceUrl property. When a maliciously crafted URL exceeding the predetermined buffer limits is passed to the control, the overflow occurs in the memory layout of the DXTLIPI.DLL library, potentially overwriting adjacent memory structures including return addresses and function pointers. This memory corruption can be leveraged by remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the user's privileges, effectively providing a pathway for complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it operates through ActiveX controls which are commonly enabled in web browsers, making exploitation possible through web-based attack vectors without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including privilege escalation, data theft, and persistent system compromise. The attack surface is broad since ActiveX controls are frequently deployed in enterprise environments and are enabled by default in many browser configurations. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution. The exploitability factor is high due to the remote nature of the attack vector and the widespread deployment of affected ActiveX controls in legacy software environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4336 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural security improvements. The primary recommendation involves immediate removal or disabling of the vulnerable DXTLIPI.DLL component and associated ActiveX controls from affected systems, particularly those running outdated DirectX Media SDK versions. Organizations should implement browser security policies that disable ActiveX controls or restrict their execution to trusted sites only, while also deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent unauthorized execution of vulnerable components. Network-level protections can include implementing web application firewalls and content filtering systems that can detect and block malicious URL patterns targeting this specific vulnerability. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable ActiveX controls, with comprehensive patch management processes established to ensure timely remediation of similar vulnerabilities in the broader Microsoft DirectX ecosystem. The vulnerability serves as a prime example of why legacy ActiveX controls should be deprecated in favor of modern secure web technologies and why proper input validation and memory management practices are essential in software development processes.