CVE-2007-4470 in Image Web Server Ecw Jpeg 2000 Plug-in
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in the Earth Resource Mapping NCSView ActiveX control before 3.4.0.242 in NCSView.dll, as distributed in ER Mapper ECW JPEG 2000 Plug-in before 8.1, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4470 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Earth Resource Mapping NCSView ActiveX control, specifically affecting versions prior to 3.4.0.242. This vulnerability resides in the NCSView.dll component that is distributed as part of the ER Mapper ECW JPEG 2000 Plug-in version 8.0 and earlier. The flaw manifests when the ActiveX control processes specially crafted input data, creating conditions where attackers can manipulate memory layout through stack corruption. Such buffer overflows typically occur when programs write more data to a fixed-length memory buffer than it can accommodate, leading to adjacent memory locations being overwritten. The vulnerability's impact extends to remote code execution capabilities, making it particularly dangerous in web-based attack scenarios where malicious content can be delivered through web browsers that have the affected ActiveX control installed.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The flaw operates through unspecified vectors, suggesting that multiple attack paths exist within the control's input processing functions, potentially encompassing file parsing, data validation, or parameter handling routines. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious input files or web content that, when processed by the vulnerable ActiveX control, triggers the buffer overflow condition. The stack-based nature of the overflow means that the return addresses and other critical stack data can be overwritten, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow to malicious code. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because ActiveX controls are designed to run with elevated privileges in web browsers, providing attackers with a direct path to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-4470 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise in affected environments. When exploited, this vulnerability allows remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges on systems with vulnerable ActiveX controls installed, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability affects systems running older versions of ER Mapper software, particularly those using the ECW JPEG 2000 Plug-in, making it relevant to geospatial and remote sensing applications that rely on these technologies. The attack surface is broadened by the widespread use of ActiveX controls in enterprise environments, especially in legacy systems that have not been properly updated or patched. Organizations using mapping applications, GIS systems, or any software that incorporates the affected NCSView control are at risk, particularly when these systems are exposed to untrusted web content or file uploads. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would likely map to techniques involving exploitation of remote services and privilege escalation through code injection methods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4470 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The primary recommendation involves updating to NCSView version 3.4.0.242 or later, which contains patches specifically designed to address the buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should also implement browser security configurations that restrict ActiveX control loading or disable ActiveX controls entirely in web browsers where possible. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit exposure by preventing access to systems that might be vulnerable to this attack vector. Security awareness training should emphasize the dangers of downloading and opening unknown files, particularly those that might trigger ActiveX control execution. Additionally, regular vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify systems running outdated versions of the affected software, with automated patch management processes to ensure timely remediation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and the risks associated with legacy ActiveX controls in modern security environments. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that prevent execution of untrusted ActiveX controls, reducing the attack surface for such vulnerabilities.