CVE-2007-5110 in EbCrypt
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in the EbCrypt.eb_c_PRNGenerator.1 ActiveX control in EBCRYPT.DLL 2.0.0.2087 and earlier in EB Design ebCrypt allows remote attackers to create or overwrite arbitrary files via a full pathname in the argument to the SaveToFile method. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2025
The CVE-2007-5110 vulnerability represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw within the EbCrypt.eb_c_PRNGenerator.1 ActiveX control embedded in EBCRYPT.DLL version 2.0.0.2087 and earlier products from EB Design. This vulnerability exists in the SaveToFile method of the ActiveX control, which fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input parameters. The flaw allows remote attackers to exploit the control by providing a full pathname as an argument, thereby enabling unauthorized file system operations that can result in arbitrary file creation or overwriting on the target system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of the ActiveX control, which typically runs with elevated privileges when executed in web browsers, making it a prime target for exploitation in browser-based attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the EbCrypt.eb_c_PRNGenerator.1 ActiveX control. When the SaveToFile method receives a parameter containing an absolute path, the control does not perform proper sanitization or validation checks to ensure that the specified path remains within the intended boundaries. This lack of input validation creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the file system by specifying arbitrary absolute paths that bypass normal security restrictions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The weakness exists at the interface between the ActiveX control and the underlying file system operations, where insufficient validation allows malicious input to directly influence file system behavior.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5110 extends beyond simple file system manipulation, as it can potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors when combined with other exploitation techniques. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to overwrite critical system files, inject malicious code into existing programs, or create backdoor access points by placing malicious files in strategic locations within the file system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where ActiveX controls are often enabled by default or explicitly trusted by users, providing attackers with a direct pathway to compromise systems without requiring additional privilege escalation. The attack surface is further expanded due to the widespread use of ebCrypt products in various applications and the typical browser-based execution context where ActiveX controls operate with elevated privileges, potentially allowing for complete system compromise when exploited successfully.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5110 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to the latest version of EB Design ebCrypt software where the vulnerability has been patched and proper input validation has been implemented. Organizations should also consider implementing ActiveX control restrictions through group policies or browser security settings to prevent execution of untrusted ActiveX components. Network-level protections such as firewall rules that block access to vulnerable applications and web applications that interface with the control can provide additional defense in depth. From a security architecture perspective, the vulnerability highlights the importance of principle of least privilege and input validation, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through ActiveX controls and T1078.004 for valid accounts. Organizations should also implement comprehensive monitoring and logging of file system operations to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability's impact can be difficult to detect through traditional security measures due to its legitimate file system operation appearance.