CVE-2007-6432 in PageMaker
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in AldFs32.dll in Adobe PageMaker 7.0.1 and 7.0.2 allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a malformed .PMD file, related to "Key Strings," a different vulnerability than CVE-2007-5169 and CVE-2007-5394.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6432 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the AldFs32.dll component of Adobe PageMaker versions 7.0.1 and 7.0.2. This vulnerability specifically manifests when processing malformed .PMD files that contain corrupted "Key Strings" data structures. The flaw operates through a classic buffer overflow mechanism where insufficient input validation allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through user-assisted remote exploitation, meaning an attacker does not need direct system access but can leverage social engineering or malicious file delivery to compromise systems. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which categorizes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution. The attack vector requires a user to open a specially crafted .PMD file, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter malicious documents through email attachments or web downloads. The vulnerability is distinct from related issues CVE-2007-5169 and CVE-2007-5394, indicating separate code paths and memory corruption mechanisms within the same software component. The stack-based nature of this overflow means that attackers can potentially overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack variables to redirect program execution flow. This vulnerability demonstrates the inherent risks associated with legacy software components and the importance of proper input validation in document processing libraries. The affected AldFs32.dll module handles file system operations and document parsing, making it a prime target for exploitation due to its role in processing user-controllable data. The exploitation of this vulnerability could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected user, potentially leading to data theft, system persistence, or further network reconnaissance activities.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs during the parsing of "Key Strings" within the .PMD file format, where the application fails to properly validate the length of string data before copying it into fixed-size stack buffers. This validation failure creates a predictable memory corruption scenario where attacker-controlled data can overwrite critical program memory. The vulnerability's classification as a stack-based buffer overflow aligns with CWE-121, which specifically addresses buffer overflows that occur on the stack, often through functions like strcpy, strcat, sprintf, or other unsafe string handling operations. From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations using outdated Adobe PageMaker versions, as these legacy applications often remain in production environments despite known security flaws. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can deliver malicious .PMD files through various channels including email, web downloads, or compromised websites, making the attack surface broad and difficult to control. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, which makes it particularly effective for social engineering campaigns. Organizations with strict security policies may have already deprecated legacy PageMaker installations, but many enterprises still maintain these applications for document compatibility reasons, creating persistent exposure windows. This vulnerability also highlights the challenges in securing legacy software where patching may not be feasible due to application dependencies or business requirements. The specific nature of the flaw in AldFs32.dll suggests that it may have been inherited from older codebases or third-party libraries that were not properly updated or audited for security vulnerabilities. The distinction from CVE-2007-5169 and CVE-2007-5394 indicates that multiple buffer overflow conditions exist within the same software module, suggesting either incomplete patching or separate code paths that were not thoroughly reviewed for security implications.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-6432 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within networks. When successfully exploited, this vulnerability can provide attackers with a foothold to conduct further reconnaissance, escalate privileges, or establish persistent access to affected systems. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a malicious .PMD file that contains oversized string data structures designed to overflow the targeted stack buffer and overwrite critical execution pointers. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of broader threat modeling exercises, particularly when assessing legacy application environments where security updates may not be regularly applied. The vulnerability's characteristics make it suitable for automated exploitation tools, increasing the potential for widespread compromise across organizations that have not implemented proper patch management or application whitelisting policies. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling or removing PageMaker installations from production environments, implementing file type restrictions, and deploying application control measures to prevent execution of potentially malicious .PMD files. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under techniques involving execution through compromised applications, where attackers leverage legitimate software to bypass security controls. Network-based detection measures such as intrusion detection systems can be configured to monitor for suspicious .PMD file patterns or known malicious payloads, though the effectiveness of such detection depends on the sophistication of the attacker's payload. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing comprehensive software inventory management to identify and remediate legacy applications that pose security risks. Organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other legacy applications that may be vulnerable to similar buffer overflow conditions. The remediation approach should include not only patching but also decommissioning legacy applications where possible, as continued use of unpatched software creates ongoing exposure to similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for secure software development practices and the importance of proper input validation in all code, particularly in applications that process untrusted user data through file format parsing operations.