CVE-2007-5320 in ImagXpress
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple absolute path traversal vulnerabilities in Pegasus Imaging ImagXpress 8.0 allow remote attackers to (1) delete arbitrary files via the CacheFile attribute in the ThumbnailXpres.1 ActiveX control (PegasusImaging.ActiveX.ThumnailXpress1.dll) or (2) overwrite arbitrary files via the CompactFile function in the ImagXpress.8 ActiveX control (PegasusImaging.ActiveX.ImagXpress8.dll).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2022
The CVE-2007-5320 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Pegasus Imaging ImagXpress 8.0 software, specifically affecting two distinct ActiveX controls that enable arbitrary file operations on vulnerable systems. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. The vulnerability exists within the ThumbnailXpres.1 ActiveX control and the ImagXpress.8 ActiveX control, both of which are components of the Pegasus Imaging suite designed for image processing and management. These controls are particularly dangerous because they operate with elevated privileges when executed in web browser environments, making them prime targets for exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the ActiveX controls' file handling functions. Attackers can manipulate the CacheFile attribute in the ThumbnailXpres.1 control to specify absolute paths that bypass normal file system restrictions, enabling them to delete arbitrary files from the target system. Similarly, the CompactFile function in the ImagXpress.8 control allows attackers to overwrite existing files by specifying absolute paths that are not properly validated or sanitized. Both attack vectors leverage the inherent trust placed in ActiveX controls when executed in Internet Explorer environments, where these controls can access the full file system without proper user consent or authorization checks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file deletion or overwriting, as it provides attackers with potential persistence mechanisms and privilege escalation opportunities. Remote attackers can leverage these vulnerabilities to compromise entire systems by deleting critical system files, overwriting configuration files, or creating backdoor access points through file manipulation. The attack surface is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where ActiveX controls are often enabled by default, and where users may not be aware of the security implications of executing potentially malicious ActiveX components. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the exploitation of ActiveX controls for privilege escalation and system compromise.
Security mitigations for CVE-2007-5320 should focus on immediate patching of the affected Pegasus Imaging software versions, as well as implementation of browser security policies that restrict ActiveX control execution. Organizations should disable ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible, implement strict input validation for file operations, and establish network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, security awareness training should emphasize the dangers of executing unknown ActiveX controls, particularly in enterprise environments where these controls may be enabled by default. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in ActiveX control development, as well as the need for comprehensive security testing of browser-based components that interact with the file system.