CVE-2007-6252 in STRunner
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in the Learn2 Corporation STRunner (aka Street Technologies) ActiveX control in iestm32.dll allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6252 represents a critical security flaw in the Learn2 Corporation STRunner ActiveX control component, specifically within the iestm32.dll library. This ActiveX control is part of the Street Technologies suite of applications that were widely distributed for educational and training purposes. The vulnerability manifests as multiple stack-based buffer overflows, which occur when the control processes untrusted input data without proper bounds checking mechanisms. These buffer overflows create exploitable conditions where malicious input can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack, potentially allowing remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the ActiveX control's processing functions. When the iestm32.dll component receives data from external sources, such as web pages or network resources, it fails to adequately validate the length and content of incoming parameters. This lack of input sanitization creates opportunities for attackers to craft specially malformed input that exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing stack corruption. The stack-based nature of these overflows means that the return addresses and other critical execution context information stored on the program stack can be overwritten, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow to malicious code. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow classification, which is categorized as a fundamental memory safety issue.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-6252 is severe and far-reaching within affected environments. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability from any location without requiring local access, making it particularly dangerous for web-based deployments. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects systems running the affected ActiveX control, typically those with Internet Explorer configured to allow ActiveX controls, creating a broad attack surface across enterprise networks. Organizations using these educational technologies were particularly at risk since the controls were often deployed in school environments with limited security controls and frequent user interaction with web content. The attack vector typically involves hosting malicious web content that triggers the vulnerable ActiveX control when users browse to compromised websites, making it a classic example of a drive-by download attack pattern.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-6252 require a multi-layered approach combining immediate remediation with long-term security measures. The most effective immediate solution involves removing or disabling the vulnerable Learn2 Corporation STRunner ActiveX control from affected systems, which can be accomplished through group policy settings, registry modifications, or by uninstalling the associated software. Microsoft provided security updates and patches that addressed the buffer overflow conditions, but organizations should also implement strict ActiveX control restrictions through Internet Explorer security settings, particularly by configuring the security zones to disable ActiveX controls in the Internet zone. Network-level protections such as intrusion detection systems and web application firewalls can help detect and block exploitation attempts, though these measures are secondary to direct control removal. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege and maintaining current security patches across all systems helps reduce the overall attack surface and potential impact of such vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution technique, emphasizing the importance of controlling client-side execution environments to prevent such attacks from succeeding.