CVE-2007-5217 in Altnet Download Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the ADM4 ActiveX control in adm4.dll in Altnet Download Manager 4.0.0.6, as used in (1) Kazaa 3.2.7 and (2) Grokster, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long argument to the Install method. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2025
The CVE-2007-5217 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the ADM4 ActiveX control component of Altnet Download Manager version 4.0.0.6. This vulnerability specifically affects the adm4.dll library and manifests through the Install method when processing excessively long arguments. The flaw exists within the ActiveX control architecture that was widely distributed through popular peer-to-peer file sharing applications including Kazaa 3.2.7 and Grokster platforms. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which occurs when a program writes data beyond the boundaries of a fixed-length stack buffer, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input validation within the Install method of the ADM4 ActiveX control. When a remote attacker crafts a malicious argument exceeding the allocated buffer size, the excessive data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting the stack frame and allowing arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic, as ActiveX controls often execute within environments that support scripting languages. The attack vector leverages the inherent trust model of ActiveX controls where browser environments execute these components with elevated privileges, making the exploitation particularly dangerous in web-based contexts where users might unknowingly trigger the vulnerable code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it represents a complete compromise of the affected system's security posture. Attackers can leverage this flaw to install malware, modify system configurations, or establish persistent backdoors within the victim's environment. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction since ActiveX controls are often automatically executed within web browsers, making it particularly effective for drive-by download attacks. The widespread distribution of affected software through peer-to-peer networks means that numerous systems could be vulnerable without the users' knowledge, creating a significant attack surface for threat actors. Security researchers have identified this vulnerability as particularly concerning due to the prevalence of ActiveX controls in Windows environments and the ease with which attackers can craft malicious arguments to trigger the buffer overflow condition.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5217 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates from Altnet and affected vendors like Kazaa and Grokster. System administrators should disable ActiveX controls in web browsers or configure them with appropriate security restrictions to prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious components. The implementation of application whitelisting policies can help prevent execution of unauthorized ActiveX controls, while network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious ActiveX-related traffic patterns. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of executing untrusted ActiveX controls and the importance of keeping software updated. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing techniques for file download operations and regularly audit their systems for outdated ActiveX controls that may pose similar risks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and buffer management in component-based software development, particularly for controls that execute in untrusted environments where user-supplied data must be carefully validated before processing.