CVE-2007-5397 in Server
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the activePDF Server service (aka APServer.exe) in activePDF Server 3.8.4 and 3.8.5.14, and possibly other versions before 3.8.6.16, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a packet with a size field that is less than the actual size of the data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2019
The CVE-2007-5397 vulnerability represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in the activePDF Server service component known as APServer.exe. This vulnerability affects specific versions of the activePDF Server software including 3.8.4 and 3.8.5.14, with the issue potentially extending to other versions prior to 3.8.6.16. The flaw manifests within the service's packet processing mechanism where the size field contained in network packets is manipulated to be smaller than the actual data payload. This discrepancy creates a condition where the application's memory allocation routines fail to properly handle the oversized data, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by remote attackers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted network packet that deceives the activePDF Server service into allocating insufficient memory for processing the data. When the service attempts to copy the oversized data into the allocated buffer, it overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially overwriting critical program structures, function pointers, or return addresses. This memory corruption can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow and ultimately achieve arbitrary code execution on the vulnerable system. The heap-based nature of the vulnerability means that attackers can manipulate heap metadata and memory layout to maximize exploitation effectiveness, making this particularly dangerous in server environments where the service operates with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5397 is severe and far-reaching for organizations utilizing affected activePDF Server versions. Remote code execution capabilities allow attackers to gain complete control over vulnerable systems, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's remote exploitability eliminates the need for local access, making it particularly attractive to threat actors targeting enterprise infrastructure. Organizations running these outdated server versions face significant risk exposure, especially in environments where the activePDF Server service is accessible from untrusted networks or exposed to the internet. The vulnerability can result in unauthorized access to sensitive documents, system resource exhaustion, and potential denial of service conditions that can disrupt business operations.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to activePDF Server version 3.8.6.16 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this heap-based buffer overflow. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the activePDF Server service, limiting exposure to trusted internal networks only. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems and monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow classification and represents a technique commonly associated with attack patterns in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the execution and privilege escalation domains. Regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes should include verification of software versions and patches to prevent similar issues from affecting organizational infrastructure.