CVE-2007-6144 in Web Thunder
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the PPlayer.XPPlayer.1 ActiveX control in pplayer.dll_1_work in Xunlei Thunder 5.7.4.401 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long string in a FlvPlayerUrl property value. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6144 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the PPlayer.XPPlayer.1 ActiveX control component of Xunlei Thunder version 5.7.4.401. This flaw exists in the pplayer.dll_1_work library and specifically targets the FlvPlayerUrl property handling mechanism. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and bounds checking within the ActiveX control's memory management routines, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered through remote code execution vectors. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with heap corruption vulnerabilities that fall under the CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow category, where attacker-controlled data is copied into a heap-allocated buffer without proper size validation, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker crafts a maliciously long string value for the FlvPlayerUrl property within the ActiveX control interface. This malformed input bypasses normal input sanitization mechanisms and overflows the allocated heap buffer, potentially overwriting adjacent memory structures including return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be initiated through web-based delivery mechanisms, allowing attackers to exploit the vulnerability without requiring local system access or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage containing the vulnerable ActiveX control. The exploitability of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes the use of malicious ActiveX controls for code execution, and T1059, which encompasses remote code execution through compromised software components.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-6144 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass full system compromise potential. Successful exploitation can result in complete system takeover, allowing attackers to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, and access sensitive data stored on the compromised system. The vulnerability affects users running Xunlei Thunder 5.7.4.401 and earlier versions, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of this download manager application. The heap corruption nature of the vulnerability means that the memory layout can be manipulated to redirect execution flow, potentially allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected user. This vulnerability demonstrates the risks associated with ActiveX controls in Internet Explorer environments and highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in component-based software development. Organizations using affected versions of Xunlei Thunder should consider immediate mitigation strategies including application whitelisting, browser security hardening, and mandatory software updates to prevent exploitation attempts.
The vulnerability's classification as a heap-based buffer overflow connects it to established security frameworks and attack patterns that have been documented extensively in security literature and threat intelligence reports. The specific characteristics of this flaw make it suitable for exploitation through techniques such as return-oriented programming or direct code injection, depending on the target system's memory protection mechanisms. The fact that this vulnerability was discovered through third-party information sources indicates that it likely remained unpatched for an extended period, exposing numerous systems to potential compromise. This scenario exemplifies the importance of continuous security assessment and vulnerability management processes that can identify and remediate such flaws before they can be weaponized by threat actors in the wild. The vulnerability also underscores the risks associated with legacy software components and the challenges of maintaining security in complex software ecosystems where multiple third-party components interact with each other and with browser environments.