CVE-2007-5445 in VImpX
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the DB Software Laboratory VImpX (VImpAX1) ActiveX control in VImpX.ocx 4.7.3.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long RejectedRecordsFile parameter, a different vector than CVE-2007-2667.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5445 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the DB Software Laboratory VImpX ActiveX control, specifically in the VImpAX1 component of VImpX.ocx version 4.7.3.0. This vulnerability resides in the handling of the RejectedRecordsFile parameter, which creates an exploitable condition when malformed input exceeds the allocated buffer space. The affected ActiveX control is part of a broader suite of database software tools designed for data import operations, making it a potential target for remote exploitation in environments where ActiveX controls are enabled and trusted by users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates through a distinct attack vector compared to CVE-2007-2667, indicating a separate code path that could be leveraged by attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution. This buffer overflow condition occurs when an attacker supplies an excessively long string value to the RejectedRecordsFile parameter, causing memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk in environments where ActiveX controls are automatically executed or where users have administrative privileges that could enable successful exploitation. The attack surface expands when considering that ActiveX controls are commonly enabled in corporate environments for legacy applications, and users may unknowingly interact with malicious web content that triggers the vulnerable control. The execution of arbitrary code through this vector represents a severe compromise of system integrity, as attackers could potentially escalate privileges, install persistent backdoors, or gain complete control over affected systems. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1195.002, which covers the exploitation of ActiveX controls for code execution, and demonstrates how legacy software components can introduce persistent security weaknesses. Organizations utilizing this software are at risk of remote code execution attacks that could lead to complete system compromise, particularly in environments where proper input validation and memory protection mechanisms are not in place. The distinct nature of this vulnerability compared to CVE-2007-2667 suggests that multiple attack vectors exist within the same software family, indicating potential architectural weaknesses in the input handling mechanisms of the VImpX ActiveX control.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow requires careful crafting of the RejectedRecordsFile parameter to ensure that the overflow occurs at a predictable memory location. Attackers must understand the memory layout of the target system and potentially employ techniques such as stack pivoting or return-oriented programming to achieve reliable code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it an attractive target for drive-by download scenarios. The buffer overflow condition creates opportunities for attackers to inject malicious shellcode or redirect execution flow to malicious code, leveraging the trust relationship that exists between ActiveX controls and the browser environment. Security researchers have identified that the vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the VImpX ActiveX control, where the software fails to properly check the length of the RejectedRecordsFile parameter before processing it. This lack of bounds checking creates an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by attackers to overwrite critical memory structures. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that exploitation does not require local access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments. The presence of this vulnerability in ActiveX controls demonstrates how legacy software components can pose significant security risks when deployed in modern computing environments where security boundaries are increasingly complex. Organizations should consider the broader implications of ActiveX control deployment and the potential for similar vulnerabilities to exist in other components of the same software suite.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5445 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates or patches provided by DB Software Laboratory. Organizations must disable ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible, particularly in environments where users do not require legacy application functionality. The implementation of proper input validation mechanisms and bounds checking within applications that utilize this ActiveX control can help prevent exploitation attempts. Security administrators should also consider implementing network-based protections such as intrusion prevention systems that can detect and block malicious parameter values targeting this vulnerability. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and the risks associated with running legacy software in modern security environments. Regular security assessments should include inventory checks for ActiveX controls and other potentially vulnerable components that may be present on systems. Organizations should also implement user education programs to reduce the risk of accidental exploitation through social engineering attacks that target ActiveX control execution. The vulnerability demonstrates the need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs that address both known and emerging threats in legacy software components. Additionally, security professionals should consider deploying application whitelisting solutions that can prevent execution of untrusted ActiveX controls, thereby reducing the attack surface for this and similar vulnerabilities. The remediation approach should also include monitoring for exploitation attempts and implementing proper incident response procedures to address potential compromises. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that even minor software components can introduce significant security risks when deployed in production environments without proper security controls and ongoing maintenance.