CVE-2007-5607 in Instant Support
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the RegistryString 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 first argument, a different vulnerability than CVE-2007-5604, CVE-2007-5605, and CVE-2007-5606.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5607 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 RegistryString function of the HPISDataManager.dll component, which operates within the broader HP Instant Support framework designed for system diagnostics and support operations. The vulnerability manifests when the ActiveX control processes a malformed first argument parameter, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs through improper input validation within the RegistryString function, where the control fails to adequately bounds-check the length of the first argument parameter. When an attacker supplies an excessively long string as the initial parameter, the function's memory allocation strategy causes data to overflow into adjacent memory regions, potentially overwriting critical program structures including return addresses and function pointers. This memory corruption directly enables attackers to redirect program execution flow and inject malicious code into the target system's memory space, bypassing normal security boundaries and executing arbitrary commands with the privileges of the compromised application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant security compromise that can lead to complete system takeover. Attackers exploiting this flaw can establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges to system level access, and potentially compromise entire network infrastructures through lateral movement. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to target systems, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where ActiveX controls are often deployed for system management and support functions. The affected HP Instant Support software typically runs with elevated privileges, amplifying the potential damage from successful exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5607 should focus on immediate patching of the vulnerable HP Instant Support software to version 1.0.0.24 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to address the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should implement strict ActiveX control restrictions through browser security policies, disabling unnecessary ActiveX components that may expose the system to similar vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to systems running vulnerable software, while regular security assessments should verify that no other ActiveX controls within the organization present similar memory corruption vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and corresponds to attack techniques documented in the ATT&CK framework under initial access and execution phases, specifically targeting the exploitation of legacy software components and ActiveX controls for privilege escalation and system compromise.