CVE-2007-4903 in Ultra Crypto Component
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in a certain ActiveX control in CryptoX.dll 2.0 and earlier in the Ultra Crypto Component allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via (1) a long string in the first argument to the AcquireContext method or (2) an unspecified vector to the DeleteContext method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-4903 represents a critical security flaw in the Ultra Crypto Component's CryptoX.dll ActiveX control version 2.0 and earlier. This vulnerability manifests as multiple buffer overflows that occur within the cryptographic component's implementation, specifically affecting the AcquireContext and DeleteContext methods. The ActiveX control's design fails to properly validate input parameters, creating exploitable conditions that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it operates within a cryptographic component, which typically runs with elevated privileges and handles sensitive security operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the ActiveX control's method implementations. When the AcquireContext method receives a long string as its first argument, or when the DeleteContext method processes an unspecified vector, the control fails to perform proper bounds checking on user-supplied data. This lack of input sanitization allows attackers to overflow fixed-size buffers allocated in memory, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data. The vulnerability specifically aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. These buffer overflows create opportunities for attackers to manipulate program execution flow through stack or heap corruption, enabling arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-4903 extends beyond simple code execution, as it affects systems where the Ultra Crypto Component is installed and potentially exposed to untrusted web content. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through web browsers that load the ActiveX control, particularly when visiting malicious websites or encountering compromised web pages that trigger the vulnerable methods. The attack surface is broadened because ActiveX controls are commonly used in enterprise environments for security applications and cryptographic operations. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems with the privileges of the user running the affected application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as the execution of arbitrary code enables attackers to run malicious commands on compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including patching the Ultra Crypto Component to version 2.1 or later, which contains fixed implementations of the vulnerable methods. Organizations should also implement browser security measures such as disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted web content. Network-level protections including firewall rules and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. Additionally, security administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of the vulnerable CryptoX.dll component outside of controlled environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in security-sensitive components and highlights the need for thorough security testing of cryptographic libraries and ActiveX controls in enterprise environments.