CVE-2007-6533 in Zoom Player
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Zoom Player 6.00 beta 2 and earlier allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an HTTP link to a PLS file in a crafted ZPL file, which causes an overflow in Unicode handling when generating an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6533 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in Zoom Player version 6.00 beta 2 and earlier versions. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation and memory management during the processing of media playlist files, specifically when handling PLS files within a crafted ZPL container. The vulnerability operates through a user-assisted remote attack vector where an attacker can craft a malicious HTTP link that points to a specially constructed PLS file, which when processed by the vulnerable media player triggers the exploitable condition.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves Unicode handling during error message generation within the Zoom Player application. When the player encounters a malformed PLS file within a ZPL container, it attempts to generate an error message that includes Unicode characters from the malformed input. The application fails to properly validate the length of Unicode data before copying it into fixed-size buffers, creating a classic buffer overflow condition. This flaw falls under CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow vulnerabilities where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local exploitation as it enables remote code execution through web-based attack vectors. Attackers can leverage this weakness by hosting malicious content on web servers and enticing users to click on crafted links that automatically download and process the malicious PLS files through Zoom Player. The vulnerability demonstrates a significant security risk in media player applications where user input is not properly sanitized before being processed, creating a pathway for attackers to gain unauthorized control over affected systems. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands on compromised systems.
The exploitation process requires minimal user interaction beyond clicking on a malicious link, making it particularly dangerous in social engineering campaigns where users might be tricked into accessing compromised content. The buffer overflow occurs during the Unicode processing phase, which means that the attack can be particularly effective against systems where Unicode characters are used extensively in file names or metadata. This vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing proper input validation and bounds checking in applications that handle user-supplied data, especially when processing media files that may contain various encoding formats. Organizations using affected versions of Zoom Player should immediately implement mitigations including patching to the latest stable version, network segmentation to prevent unauthorized access to vulnerable systems, and user education to avoid clicking on suspicious links that could lead to exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.