CVE-2007-5779 in GOM Player
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the GomManager (GomWeb Control) ActiveX control in GomWeb3.dll 1.0.0.12 in Gretech Online Movie Player (GOM Player) 2.1.6.3499 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long argument to the OpenUrl method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5779 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the GomManager ActiveX control component of Gretech Online Movie Player version 2.1.6.3499. This vulnerability specifically affects the GomWeb3.dll library version 1.0.0.12 and resides within the GomManager ActiveX control that facilitates web-based media playback functionality. The flaw manifests when the OpenUrl method receives an excessively long argument parameter, creating a condition where memory boundaries are exceeded and potentially allowing malicious code execution. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the inherent trust model of ActiveX controls, which are typically executed with elevated privileges in web browser environments.
This buffer overflow vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow conditions, where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The GomManager ActiveX control operates within the browser context through Internet Explorer's ActiveX infrastructure, making it susceptible to exploitation via malicious web pages that invoke the vulnerable OpenUrl method with crafted oversized parameters. The attack vector requires remote code execution through web-based delivery mechanisms, typically involving malicious websites or email attachments that contain specially crafted HTML content designed to trigger the vulnerable ActiveX control during normal media playback operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to perform arbitrary operations on compromised systems with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable GOM Player application. The ActiveX control's design allows it to interact with system resources and file operations, making the exploitation potentially devastating for end-user systems. The vulnerability represents a significant risk in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently visit malicious websites or receive compromised email attachments, as the exploitation can occur without user interaction beyond normal browsing behavior. Security researchers have noted that this type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in the context of ActiveX controls due to their broad system access capabilities and the difficulty in properly sandboxing their operations within web browser environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5779 should prioritize immediate patching of the vulnerable GOM Player software to version 2.1.6.3500 or later, which includes the necessary buffer overflow protections and input validation measures. System administrators should disable ActiveX controls in web browsers for users who do not require them for legitimate business purposes, implementing browser security policies that restrict ActiveX loading and execution. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting the importance of endpoint protection measures including application whitelisting and behavior monitoring. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls and content filtering can help prevent exploitation attempts by blocking malicious URLs that attempt to invoke the vulnerable OpenUrl method. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and opening email attachments, as social engineering remains a primary delivery mechanism for exploiting such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in software development, particularly for components that operate in privileged contexts and interact with external data sources through web-based interfaces.