CVE-2007-5145 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in system DLL files in Microsoft Windows XP, as used by Microsoft Windows Explorer (explorer.exe) 6.00.2900.2180, Don Ho Notepad++, unspecified Adobe Macromedia applications, and other programs, allow user-assisted remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via long strings in the (1) author, (2) title, (3) subject, and (4) comment Properties fields of a file, possibly involving improper handling of extended file attributes by the (a) NtQueryInformationFile, (b) NtQueryDirectoryFile, (c) NtSetInformationFile, (d) FileAllInformation, (e) FileNameInformation, and other FILE_INFORMATION_CLASS functions in ntdll.dll and the (f) GetFileAttributesExW and (g) GetFileAttributesW functions in kernel32.dll, a related issue to CVE-2007-1347.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2018
This vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow condition affecting multiple system components in Microsoft Windows XP environments. The flaw manifests in the handling of extended file attributes through various kernel and ntdll functions, specifically impacting the Windows Explorer application and numerous third-party applications that rely on standard Windows file system APIs. The vulnerability occurs when maliciously crafted long strings are present in file properties fields including author, title, subject, and comment metadata, creating conditions where the system attempts to process these extended attributes without proper bounds checking. The affected functions operate within the core Windows kernel and ntdll.dll components, making this a foundational security issue that impacts system stability and availability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages improper input validation within the Windows file system interface functions. When Windows Explorer or other applications attempt to retrieve or set file properties through functions such as NtQueryInformationFile, NtQueryDirectoryFile, NtSetInformationFile, and related FILE_INFORMATION_CLASS operations, the system fails to properly validate string lengths before copying data into fixed-size buffers. The GetFileAttributesExW and GetFileAttributesW functions in kernel32.dll also contribute to the vulnerability by not adequately sanitizing extended attribute data. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of insufficient bounds checking in system-level APIs. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5145 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable more severe compromise scenarios. While the primary effect is application crash and system instability, the vulnerability's presence in core Windows system components means that successful exploitation could lead to privilege escalation or system-wide compromise. The user-assisted nature of the attack requires some form of interaction from the victim, typically through opening or browsing files with maliciously crafted metadata, but this requirement does not mitigate the overall risk. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through social engineering tactics, such as distributing infected files through email attachments, file sharing networks, or compromised websites. The vulnerability affects not only Microsoft applications but also third-party software that utilizes the same Windows file system APIs, amplifying its potential impact across the Windows ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on multiple layers of protection given its widespread impact across various applications. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the relevant Microsoft security patches that address the buffer overflow conditions in ntdll.dll and kernel32.dll components. System administrators should implement application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted files and utilize sandboxing techniques to isolate potentially vulnerable applications. Network-level controls such as content filtering and email scanning can help prevent the delivery of malicious files to end users. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.003 for command and script injection highlights the importance of monitoring for unusual file attribute access patterns and implementing behavioral analysis systems. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and maintain up-to-date security configurations to prevent exploitation of similar buffer overflow conditions in other system components. Regular system updates and security awareness training for users remain critical defensive measures against this class of vulnerability.