CVE-2007-5814 in SSL VPN
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in the SonicWall SSL-VPN NetExtender NELaunchCtrl ActiveX control before 2.1.0.51, and 2.5.x before 2.5.0.56, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long (1) serverAddress, (2) sessionId, (3) clientIPLower, (4) clientIPHigher, (5) userName, (6) domainName, or (7) dnsSuffix Unicode property value. NOTE: the AddRouteEntry vector is covered by CVE-2007-5603.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5814 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the SonicWall SSL-VPN NetExtender NELaunchCtrl ActiveX control, affecting versions prior to 2.1.0.51 and 2.5.x versions before 2.5.0.56. This issue resides in the client-side ActiveX component that facilitates secure remote access through SonicWall's SSL-VPN infrastructure, making it a significant concern for enterprise security environments that rely on this technology for remote connectivity. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the ActiveX control's property handling functions, specifically targeting seven distinct Unicode string parameters that are susceptible to malicious input manipulation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of seven specific Unicode properties within the ActiveX control, namely serverAddress, sessionId, clientIPLower, clientIPHigher, userName, domainName, and dnsSuffix. Each of these parameters accepts user-supplied input without adequate bounds checking or memory allocation verification, creating predictable buffer overflow conditions when maliciously crafted Unicode strings exceed the allocated memory buffers. The vulnerability is classified as a classic stack-based buffer overflow under CWE-121, where insufficient control of data elements leads to memory corruption that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution. Attackers can exploit this by crafting specially formatted Unicode strings that exceed the predetermined buffer limits, causing stack corruption that allows for the execution of malicious code with the privileges of the affected application process.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5814 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to compromise entire remote access infrastructure. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability enables remote code execution that can result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor access to corporate networks. The ActiveX control's integration with the Windows operating system and its typical installation on remote desktop users makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as it can be triggered through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. This vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the exploitation of ActiveX controls for code execution, and represents a significant risk to organizations using SonicWall SSL-VPN solutions for remote workforce access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5814 should prioritize immediate patch deployment for the affected SonicWall NetExtender versions, as the vendor has released fixed versions addressing these buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems, while also considering the disablement of ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible. Security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous network traffic patterns and potential exploitation attempts targeting the affected ActiveX control properties. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper memory management practices in client-side components, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security principles and supported by the CERT/CC advisory guidelines for ActiveX control security. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable ActiveX controls within their environment and establish proper security awareness training for users regarding the risks associated with ActiveX-based technologies.