CVE-2007-5107

ask.com ask_toolbar < 4.0.2.53 - Stack-based Buffer Overflow via ShortFormat Property

Title source: llm
STIX 2.1

Exploitation Summary

EIP tracks 3 public exploits for CVE-2007-5107. PoCs published by Metasploit, Joey Mengele, MC, including Metasploit module exploits/windows/browser/ask_shortformat.

AI-analyzed exploit summary This is a Metasploit module exploiting a stack buffer overflow in Ask.com Toolbar 4.0.2.53 via the 'ShortFormat()' method in askbar.dll. It delivers a payload through an HTTP server hosting malicious HTML/JavaScript.

Description

Stack-based buffer overflow in the AskJeevesToolBar.SettingsPlugin.1 ActiveX control in askBar.dll in IAC Search & Media ask.com Ask Toolbar 4.0.2.53 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long ShortFormat property value. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information. NOTE: the researcher claims that this is the same as CVE-2007-5108, but there is insufficient detail for CVE-2007-5108 to be certain.

Exploits (3)

exploitdb WORKING POC VERIFIED
by Metasploit · rubyremotewindows
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/16557

This is a Metasploit module exploiting a stack buffer overflow in Ask.com Toolbar 4.0.2.53 via the 'ShortFormat()' method in askbar.dll. It delivers a payload through an HTTP server hosting malicious HTML/JavaScript.

Classification
Working Poc 100%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Ask.com Toolbar 4.0.2.53
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Target must have Ask.com Toolbar 4.0.2.53 installed · Target must visit the attacker-controlled web page
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
exploitdb WORKING POC VERIFIED
by Joey Mengele · htmlremotewindows
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/4452

This exploit leverages a heap spray technique to trigger a buffer overflow in the AskJeevesToolBar ActiveX control, leading to arbitrary code execution. The shellcode launches the system calculator as a demonstration.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: AskJeevesToolBar.SettingsPlugin.1
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Victim must visit a malicious webpage · ActiveX control must be installed and enabled
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
metasploit WORKING POC NORMAL
by MC · rubypocwin
https://github.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework/blob/master/modules/exploits/windows/browser/ask_shortformat.rb

This Metasploit module exploits a stack buffer overflow in the Ask.com Toolbar's askBar.dll ActiveX control via the ShortFormat() method. It delivers a crafted HTML page with malicious JavaScript to trigger the overflow and execute arbitrary code.

Classification
Working Poc 100%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Ask.com Toolbar 4.0.2.53
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Victim must visit a malicious webpage hosting the exploit · Target system must have the vulnerable Ask.com Toolbar installed
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 19, 2026 Full analysis →

References (7)

Core 7
Core References
Exploit, Third Party Advisory exploit x_refsource_exploit-db
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/4452
Various Sources x_refsource_misc
http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/reader/security.htm
Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry mailing-list x_refsource_bugtraq
http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/480459/100/0/threaded
Vendor Advisory vdb-entry x_refsource_vupen
http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2007/3265
Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry vdb-entry x_refsource_xf
https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/36757
Vendor Advisory third-party-advisory x_refsource_secunia
http://secunia.com/advisories/26960
Exploit vdb-entry x_refsource_bid
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/25785

Scores

EPSS 0.3586
EPSS Percentile 98.3%

Details

CWE
CWE-119
Status published
Products (1)
ask.com/ask_toolbar < 4.0.2.53
Published Sep 26, 2007
Tracked Since Feb 18, 2026