CVE-2007-4816 in Storm
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in the BaoFeng2 storm ActiveX control in Mps.dll allow remote attackers to have an unknown impact via a long (1) URL, (2) backImage, or (3) titleImage property value; (4) a long first argument to the advancedOpen method; a long argument to the (5) isDVDPath or (6) rawParse method; or (7) a .smpl file with a long path attribute in an item element in a PlayList.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2024
The CVE-2007-4816 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the BaoFeng2 storm ActiveX control component, specifically within the Mps.dll library that is commonly distributed as part of media playback software. This vulnerability manifests through multiple distinct buffer overflow conditions that occur when processing various input parameters passed to the ActiveX control's methods and properties. The affected control is designed to handle multimedia content including video files, playlist management, and various media presentation elements, making it a prime target for exploitation in web-based attacks. The vulnerability's presence in ActiveX controls particularly amplifies its risk profile since these components are frequently executed in web browsers and are trusted by users who may not be aware of the underlying security risks they pose.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the BaoFeng2 storm ActiveX control's handling of user-supplied data. When the control processes a URL parameter exceeding allocated buffer space, or when it encounters excessively long values for backImage, titleImage, or path attributes within playlist files, the software fails to properly validate input lengths before copying data into fixed-size memory buffers. This leads to memory corruption that can result in arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple attack vectors including direct method calls with long arguments, file-based inputs through .smpl playlist files, and property assignments that are commonly used in web-based multimedia applications. The control's implementation lacks proper bounds checking mechanisms that would prevent buffer overflows when handling user-provided data.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-4816 extends beyond simple system instability to potentially enable complete system compromise by malicious actors. Attackers can leverage these buffer overflows to execute arbitrary code within the context of the user's browser session or application environment, potentially leading to full system control. The vulnerability's exposure through ActiveX controls means that users can be exploited simply by visiting malicious websites or opening compromised playlist files, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may not be security-aware. The attack surface is broad since the control handles various multimedia elements including video playback, playlist management, and image rendering, providing multiple potential entry points for exploitation. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability corresponds to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which addresses heap-based buffer overflows, both of which are fundamental weaknesses in memory management that can lead to privilege escalation and system compromise.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability primarily involve immediate remediation through software updates and patches provided by the vendor, though many organizations may have legacy systems where such updates are not feasible. The recommended approach includes disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible, implementing strict content filtering for playlist files, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that prevent execution of untrusted ActiveX controls and regularly audit their software installations to identify and remove vulnerable components. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving exploitation of known vulnerabilities and execution of malicious code through browser-based attacks. The vulnerability's characteristics align with TTPs used in advanced persistent threat campaigns where attackers establish initial access through web-based exploitation before escalating privileges and maintaining persistence within target environments. System administrators should also implement monitoring for suspicious ActiveX control usage patterns and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing ActiveX-based exploitation attempts.