CVE-2007-5017 in Yahoo!
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in a certain ActiveX control in the CYFT object in ft60.dll in Yahoo! Messenger 8.1.0.421 allows remote attackers to force a download, and create or overwrite arbitrary files via a full pathname in the second argument to the GetFile method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2025
The CVE-2007-5017 vulnerability represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw within the ActiveX control ecosystem of Yahoo Messenger application suite. The flaw manifests through the GetFile method of the ActiveX control, where improper input validation allows malicious actors to manipulate file system operations through crafted pathname arguments. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of client-side exploitation and privilege escalation, leveraging the trusted ActiveX control mechanism to bypass normal file system security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of user-supplied input within the ActiveX control's GetFile method. When an attacker crafts a malicious second argument containing an absolute path, the control fails to properly sanitize or validate the pathname before executing file system operations. This allows the control to interpret the absolute path as a legitimate target for file creation, download, or overwrite operations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory," which specifically addresses the issue of insufficient path validation in file system operations. The flaw essentially enables attackers to manipulate the control's behavior to perform operations outside of intended directories, potentially accessing or modifying system-critical files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file manipulation to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to force downloads of malicious payloads directly to targeted systems, create backdoor files in system directories, or overwrite critical application or system files to achieve persistence or denial of service. The attack vector requires minimal user interaction beyond the execution of the vulnerable ActiveX control, making it particularly dangerous in social engineering scenarios where users might be tricked into visiting malicious websites or opening compromised email attachments. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059.007 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" as it exploits a public-facing application component through ActiveX controls and can be triggered through web-based attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5017 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and comprehensive security controls. The primary solution involves updating to a patched version of Yahoo! Messenger that properly validates and sanitizes input parameters within the GetFile method. Organizations should implement strict ActiveX control policies that disable or restrict the execution of untrusted ActiveX components, particularly those from known vulnerable applications. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help prevent exploitation attempts by blocking malicious requests that attempt to manipulate absolute paths. Additionally, endpoint security measures such as application whitelisting and privileged access controls should be implemented to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in client-side components and the necessity of following secure coding practices to prevent path traversal attacks in software applications.