CVE-2007-5941 in Shockwave Player
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the SWCtl.SWCtl ActiveX control in Adobe Shockwave allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long argument to the ShockwaveVersion method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5941 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the SWCtl.SWCtl ActiveX control component of Adobe Shockwave software. This vulnerability exists in the ShockwaveVersion method where improper input validation allows attackers to supply excessively long arguments that exceed the allocated buffer space on the stack. The flaw stems from inadequate bounds checking and memory management practices within the ActiveX control implementation, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control information. Such buffer overflow conditions fall under the CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow category and are classified as a remote code execution vulnerability when successfully exploited.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious web page or crafted document loads the vulnerable ActiveX control and invokes the ShockwaveVersion method with a specially crafted argument exceeding the buffer capacity. The stack-based nature of the overflow means that the excessive data overwrites the stack frame of the executing function, potentially corrupting the return address and allowing an attacker to redirect execution flow to malicious code. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web browser environments where ActiveX controls are automatically executed, providing attackers with a direct path to compromise user systems. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on compromised systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5941 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to include potential remote code execution capabilities that could allow attackers to gain full system control. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability affects systems running Adobe Shockwave Player versions prior to the security patches, particularly those where ActiveX controls are enabled and automatically executed. Organizations using older versions of Shockwave Player or those with outdated security configurations face significant risk exposure. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability makes it particularly attractive to threat actors as it requires no local system access and can be triggered through web browsing activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5941 should focus on immediate remediation through patching Adobe Shockwave Player to the latest secure versions that address the buffer overflow vulnerability. System administrators should disable ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible, particularly in environments where users access untrusted websites. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can help detect and block exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and the importance of keeping software updated remains crucial in preventing successful exploitation. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management processes to identify and remediate similar issues in other ActiveX controls and legacy software components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices including proper input validation and memory management, which are fundamental requirements for preventing buffer overflow conditions as outlined in industry security frameworks and standards.