CVE-2007-4790 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in certain ActiveX controls in (1) FPOLE.OCX 6.0.8450.0 and (2) Foxtlib.ocx, as used in the Microsoft Visual FoxPro 6.0 fpole 1.0 Type Library; and Internet Explorer 5.01, 6 SP1 and SP2, and 7; allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long first argument to the FoxDoCmd function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting ActiveX controls in Microsoft Visual FoxPro 6.0 components, specifically targeting FPOLE.OCX version 6.0.8450.0 and Foxtlib.ocx libraries. The flaw exists within the FoxDoCmd function where the first argument is processed without adequate bounds checking, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers. The vulnerability impacts multiple versions of Internet Explorer including 5.01, 6 SP1 and SP2, and 7, making it particularly dangerous due to the widespread deployment of these browser versions. The buffer overflow occurs when an attacker supplies an excessively long string as the first argument, causing the function to overwrite adjacent memory on the stack. This memory corruption can be manipulated to overwrite return addresses and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability provides attackers with a reliable means to achieve remote code execution on systems running vulnerable configurations, making it a prime target for exploit development and malware deployment. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage containing the malicious ActiveX control, enabling automated exploitation through drive-by downloads. The impact extends beyond individual systems to potentially compromise entire networks when attackers leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access points. Organizations running legacy Visual FoxPro applications or supporting older Internet Explorer versions face significant risk exposure. The vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing challenges with ActiveX control security and the dangers of maintaining legacy software components. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual FoxPro and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation. Mitigation strategies include immediate patching of affected systems, disabling ActiveX controls in Internet Explorer, implementing application whitelisting policies, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider decommissioning legacy Visual FoxPro applications and migrating to modern development platforms to eliminate exposure to such historical vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in software development, particularly when dealing with legacy components that may not adhere to modern security standards.