CVE-2007-4902 in Ultra Crypto Component
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in a certain ActiveX control in CryptoX.dll 2.0 and earlier in the Ultra Crypto Component allows remote attackers to write to arbitrary files via a full pathname in the argument to the SaveToFile method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2024
The CVE-2007-4902 vulnerability represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw within the Ultra Crypto Component's CryptoX.dll ActiveX control version 2.0 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the SaveToFile method of the ActiveX control, which fails to properly validate input parameters containing full pathnames. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate file system operations by providing malicious absolute paths, potentially enabling arbitrary file write operations on the target system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the cryptographic component's implementation, creating a pathway for unauthorized file system modifications.
This security flaw falls under the CWE-22 category of Path Traversal or Directory Traversal, specifically manifesting as an absolute path traversal vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this issue under T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1074.001 for Data Staged for Exfiltration, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to write malicious files to arbitrary locations on the system. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the ActiveX control's inherent trust model, where browser environments typically grant elevated privileges to such components, making the exploitation particularly dangerous in web-based attack scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file system manipulation to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers can exploit this flaw to write malicious files to critical system directories, potentially installing backdoors, modifying system binaries, or creating persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local system access, making it particularly dangerous in web applications or environments where ActiveX controls are enabled. Additionally, the cryptographic nature of the component suggests that successful exploitation could also compromise encryption keys or cryptographic operations, affecting the overall security posture of systems relying on the Ultra Crypto Component.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4902 should prioritize immediate remediation through vendor-provided patches or updates to the Ultra Crypto Component. Organizations must implement strict input validation measures, particularly for file path parameters in ActiveX controls, and consider disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can provide additional defense layers, while regular security assessments should verify that no vulnerable versions remain in production environments. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly for components handling file system operations, and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of third-party ActiveX controls before deployment in enterprise environments.