CVE-2007-5661 in InstallShield
Summary
by MITRE
The Macrovision InstallShield InstallScript One-Click Install (OCI) ActiveX control 12.0 before SP2 does not validate the DLL files that are named as parameters to the control, which allows remote attackers to download arbitrary library code onto a client machine.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5661 affects the Macrovision InstallShield InstallScript One-Click Install OCI ActiveX control version 12.0 prior to Service Pack 2. This represents a critical security flaw that stems from inadequate input validation within the ActiveX control's parameter handling mechanism. The issue manifests when the control processes DLL file names passed as parameters, failing to properly validate or sanitize these inputs before loading the specified libraries. This deficiency creates a path for remote attackers to exploit the system by manipulating the parameter values to reference malicious DLL files hosted on remote servers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the ActiveX control's trust model and parameter processing logic. When the OCI control receives parameter inputs containing DLL file names, it does not perform adequate validation to ensure these references point to legitimate, trusted libraries. Instead, it directly loads the specified DLL files, potentially allowing attackers to specify arbitrary network locations or local paths that resolve to malicious code. This behavior aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a classic example of insecure parameter handling in client-side components. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through web-based attack vectors where the malicious ActiveX control is embedded in web pages or delivered through other attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to download and execute arbitrary code on vulnerable client systems. This capability can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install malware, establish persistence mechanisms, or perform further reconnaissance activities. The vulnerability affects systems running Windows operating systems where the InstallShield OCI ActiveX control is installed, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such controls might be deployed for software installation processes. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without requiring local system access, making it particularly challenging to defend against through traditional network security measures.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the available Service Pack 2 update from Macrovision that addresses this validation issue. System administrators should also consider disabling the problematic ActiveX control through Group Policy settings or browser security configurations to prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious code. Network-based defenses can include implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict which DLL files can be loaded by the control, as well as monitoring network traffic for connections to suspicious domains. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the dangers of trusting user-provided parameters in client-side components, reinforcing principles from the ATT&CK framework related to execution through ActiveX and exploitation of legacy software components. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive audits of their installed ActiveX controls and ensure that all third-party software components are kept up to date with the latest security patches to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited.