CVE-2007-6331 in Quick Launch Button
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in the HPInfoDLL.HPInfo.1 ActiveX control in HPInfoDLL.dll 1.0, as shipped with HP Info Center (hpinfocenter.exe) 1.0.1.1 in HP Quick Launch Button (QLBCTRL.exe, aka QLB) 6.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary programs via the first argument to the LaunchApp method. NOTE: only a user-assisted attack is possible on Windows Vista.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2024
The CVE-2007-6331 vulnerability represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw within the HPInfoDLL ActiveX control, specifically affecting HP Info Center version 1.0.1.1 and HP Quick Launch Button versions 6.3 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the HPInfoDLL.dll version 1.0 component that is embedded within the hpinfocenter.exe application, creating a dangerous attack surface that can be exploited by remote threat actors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows for arbitrary code execution through the LaunchApp method of the HPInfo.1 ActiveX control, which can be triggered via the first argument parameter of this method. The flaw specifically manifests in the improper handling of file paths, where the application fails to adequately validate or sanitize input parameters before processing them as file system operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the ActiveX control's failure to properly validate the absolute path provided in the LaunchApp method's first argument. When an attacker supplies a malicious absolute path, the control processes this path without sufficient sanitization, allowing the execution of arbitrary programs on the target system. This represents a classic path traversal attack vector where the control's lack of input validation creates an opportunity for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack requires the victim to interact with a malicious web page or document that contains the exploit, as the vulnerability is not automatically exploitable but rather requires user interaction to trigger the vulnerable ActiveX control.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious payloads with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable application, potentially leading to data theft, system modification, or further lateral movement within a network. The fact that only user-assisted attacks are possible on Windows Vista indicates that the vulnerability may be mitigated by the operating system's security features, but this does not eliminate the risk entirely. The attack vector typically involves social engineering techniques where users are tricked into visiting malicious websites or opening compromised documents that contain the malicious ActiveX code. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1195.002, which describes the exploitation of ActiveX controls for code execution, and represents a significant concern for enterprise environments where legacy software components remain unpatched. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in corporate environments where HP Quick Launch Button software is deployed, as it provides attackers with a potential entry point for broader network compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-6331 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and patch management procedures. Organizations should prioritize updating to newer versions of HP Info Center and HP Quick Launch Button that contain fixes for this vulnerability, as the original affected versions are no longer supported. The implementation of security measures such as disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers, implementing application whitelisting policies, and employing sandboxing techniques can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malicious ActiveX control usage patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when dealing with file system operations and user-supplied data in component-based applications. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar issues in other legacy software components that may be running in their environments. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of visiting untrusted websites and opening suspicious documents remains crucial in preventing successful exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability requires user interaction to be effective.