CVE-2017-7908 in Communicator
Summary
by MITRE
A heap-based buffer overflow exists in the third-party product Gigasoft, v5 and prior, included in GE Communicator 3.15 and prior. A malicious HTML file that loads the ActiveX controls can trigger the vulnerability via unchecked function calls.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7908 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the Gigasoft third-party component version 5 and earlier, which is integrated into GE Communicator 3.15 and prior versions. This flaw exists in the ActiveX control implementation that processes HTML content, creating a dangerous attack surface where untrusted input can trigger memory corruption. The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking in the handling of user-supplied data within the ActiveX control's memory allocation routines, making it susceptible to exploitation through crafted malicious HTML files.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious HTML file containing specially crafted ActiveX control calls is loaded in a vulnerable environment. The flaw manifests during the processing of unvalidated input through unchecked function calls that do not properly validate the size or content of data being passed to heap allocation functions. This allows an attacker to write beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations and corrupting program execution flow. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in heap memory regions where memory is dynamically allocated and deallocated during program execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-7908 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can be leveraged for privilege escalation and persistent system compromise within environments running vulnerable versions of GE Communicator. Attackers can craft HTML files that, when opened by unsuspecting users, trigger the buffer overflow and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user. The vulnerability affects systems where ActiveX controls are enabled and where users can be tricked into opening malicious content, creating a significant risk in corporate environments where users may encounter phishing emails or compromised websites. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1193 for phishing attacks and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, demonstrating how the flaw can be exploited through social engineering vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-7908 require immediate action to update to patched versions of both GE Communicator and the underlying Gigasoft component. Organizations should disable ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible and implement strict content filtering to prevent execution of untrusted HTML content. Network segmentation and user access controls can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, while regular security assessments should verify that no vulnerable systems remain in operation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of third-party component security management and the need for comprehensive vulnerability assessment procedures that include evaluation of embedded third-party libraries within enterprise software solutions.