CVE-2007-6254 in Business Objects
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the SAP Business Objects BusinessObjects RptViewerAX ActiveX control in RptViewerAX.dll in Business Objects 6.5 before CHF74 allows 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-2007-6254 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the SAP Business Objects BusinessObjects RptViewerAX ActiveX control component. This flaw exists in the RptViewerAX.dll library version shipped with Business Objects 6.5 prior to CHF74 release, creating a significant security risk for organizations utilizing this software. The vulnerability specifically affects the ActiveX control interface which is commonly deployed in web environments where ActiveX components are enabled, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where such controls might be automatically loaded and executed without user awareness.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the RptViewerAX ActiveX control implementation. When processing certain input parameters through the affected DLL, the control fails to properly bounds-check data being written to stack memory locations, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory regions including return addresses and control data. This classic stack overflow condition occurs because the software does not adequately verify the size of incoming data before copying it into fixed-length stack buffers. The vulnerability can be triggered through various attack vectors that manipulate the ActiveX control's parameters, potentially through crafted web pages or malicious documents that invoke the vulnerable component.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-6254 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it enables attackers to gain complete control over affected systems. When successfully exploited, the buffer overflow allows remote code execution with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable ActiveX control, which typically corresponds to the web server or client user context. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to attackers seeking to establish persistent access to enterprise networks, as it can be leveraged to deploy additional malware, create backdoors, or escalate privileges to administrative levels. The vulnerability also poses risks to data integrity and confidentiality, as attackers could potentially exfiltrate sensitive business information or manipulate financial reports that rely on the affected reporting system.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-supplied patch CHF74 or later versions that address this specific buffer overflow vulnerability. The recommended approach involves disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers for systems not explicitly requiring them, particularly in environments where the vulnerable RptViewerAX.dll is not necessary for legitimate business operations. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of systems that might be vulnerable to this attack vector. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious ActiveX control loading patterns and unusual network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow classification and represents a significant concern under ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for executing malicious code through ActiveX components, highlighting the persistent threat posed by legacy ActiveX controls in modern enterprise security environments.