CVE-2007-5605 in Instant Support
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the GetFileTime function in the HPISDataManagerLib.Datamgr ActiveX control in HPISDataManager.dll in HP Instant Support before 1.0.0.24 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long argument, a different vulnerability than CVE-2007-5604, CVE-2007-5606, and CVE-2007-5607.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5605 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the HP Instant Support software suite, specifically affecting the HPISDataManagerLib.Datamgr ActiveX control. This issue resides in the GetFileTime function of the HPISDataManager.dll component, which operates as a client-side ActiveX control designed to facilitate system information gathering and management tasks. The vulnerability manifests when the control processes a specially crafted argument that exceeds the allocated buffer space, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized execution privileges on affected systems. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates within a widely deployed enterprise support tool that many organizations rely upon for system monitoring and management, making the attack surface potentially extensive across various network environments.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the GetFileTime function, which fails to adequately check the length of incoming arguments before copying them into fixed-size memory buffers. This classic programming error allows attackers to overflow the designated buffer space and overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is classified as a stack-based buffer overflow according to CWE-121, with the specific weakness being CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds write operations that can lead to code execution. The flaw operates under the principle of memory corruption that enables attackers to manipulate the instruction pointer and redirect program execution to malicious code injected into the overflowed buffer space.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a pathway to achieve persistent access within corporate networks where HP Instant Support is deployed. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through web-based delivery mechanisms, leveraging the ActiveX control's integration with internet browsers to execute malicious payloads without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it does not require user interaction to trigger the vulnerability, making it suitable for automated exploitation campaigns and zero-day attacks. Organizations running affected versions of HP Instant Support are at risk of complete system compromise, as the vulnerability allows attackers to execute code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable ActiveX control, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system takeover, or deployment of additional malware.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5605 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from HP, as the vendor released version 1.0.0.24 specifically addressing this vulnerability. Network administrators should implement browser security measures including ActiveX control restrictions and browser-based security policies that prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious ActiveX components. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1195.002, which covers the exploitation of ActiveX controls for code execution, and organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted ActiveX controls. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected HPISDataManager.dll component across their network infrastructure, particularly focusing on systems that may have legacy support tools installed. The remediation process must include not only patching the vulnerable software but also implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of exploitation, as well as monitoring for signs of exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and endpoint detection systems.