CVE-2007-5446 in PBEmail
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in a certain ActiveX control in PBEmail7Ax.dll in PBEmail 7 ActiveX Edition allows remote attackers to create or overwrite arbitrary files via a full pathname in the XmlFilePath argument to the SaveSenderToXml method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The CVE-2007-5446 vulnerability represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw within the PBEmail 7 ActiveX Edition software, specifically affecting the PBEmail7Ax.dll component. This vulnerability resides in the ActiveX control's implementation and manifests through the SaveSenderToXml method which accepts an XmlFilePath argument. The flaw allows remote attackers to exploit the lack of proper input validation and path sanitization, enabling them to specify arbitrary absolute file paths that can result in the creation or overwriting of files anywhere within the system's file structure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the system level rather than merely within the application's restricted environment, giving attackers the potential to modify critical system files or inject malicious content into the target environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of the XmlFilePath parameter within the SaveSenderToXml method. When an attacker provides a full pathname as input to this parameter, the ActiveX control does not properly sanitize or validate the path before attempting to create or write to the specified location. This absence of path validation creates a direct path traversal condition where the control treats the attacker-supplied absolute path as a legitimate destination. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This weakness allows attackers to access files and directories that are outside the intended scope of the application, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5446 extends far beyond simple file manipulation capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to overwrite critical system files, inject malicious code into the target environment, or create backdoor access points within the system. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not need local access to the system, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in web-based or networked environments where ActiveX controls are deployed. This vulnerability essentially provides a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and potentially gain complete control over the affected system. The attack surface is broad as ActiveX controls are often deployed in enterprise environments where they may have elevated privileges and access to sensitive system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5446 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to a patched version of PBEmail 7 ActiveX Edition that properly validates and sanitizes all input parameters, particularly those related to file paths. Organizations should implement strict input validation measures that prevent absolute path specifications and enforce relative path usage only. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting ActiveX control permissions and ensuring that these controls operate with minimal necessary privileges. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that prevent execution of untrusted ActiveX components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through ActiveX controls and T1566 for social engineering via malicious ActiveX components. Organizations should also deploy network monitoring solutions to detect suspicious file creation or modification activities that may indicate exploitation attempts.