CVE-2000-0562 in BlackIce Defender
Summary
by MITRE
BlackIce Defender 2.1 and earlier, and BlackIce Pro 2.0.23 and earlier, do not properly block Back Orifice traffic when the security setting is Nervous or lower.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-0562 represents a critical flaw in network security software products developed by BlackIce Security. This issue affects BlackIce Defender versions 2.1 and earlier, as well as BlackIce Pro versions 2.0.23 and earlier, specifically when configured with security settings at the Nervous level or lower. The flaw directly impacts the software's ability to effectively filter and block malicious network traffic, creating a significant security gap that could be exploited by attackers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper traffic filtering mechanisms within the BlackIce security suite. Back Orifice is a well-known remote access trojan that allows unauthorized users to gain control of infected systems through specific network protocols. When the security settings are configured to Nervous or lower, the software fails to properly identify and block the characteristic network traffic patterns associated with Back Orifice connections. This misconfiguration essentially renders the security software ineffective against this specific class of malicious traffic, creating a false sense of security for users who rely on these protection mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple network monitoring failures. Organizations using these vulnerable versions of BlackIce Defender or BlackIce Pro may experience unauthorized access to their systems without detection, as the software's primary function of blocking malicious traffic is compromised. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where network security is paramount, as it allows attackers to establish covert communication channels with infected systems while bypassing the protection mechanisms that should prevent such access. The risk is amplified because users may believe their systems are protected when they are actually vulnerable to Back Orifice attacks.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and demonstrates how security configuration settings can create exploitable weaknesses in defensive mechanisms. The issue also relates to ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol usage for command and control communications, as Back Orifice traffic represents a specific implementation of this technique that the vulnerable software fails to detect and block. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader security posture assessment, particularly in environments where network-based attacks are a primary concern.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from affected organizations. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to newer versions of BlackIce Defender and BlackIce Pro that address this specific filtering flaw. Additionally, system administrators should verify that security settings are properly configured and that network traffic is monitored through multiple layers of defense beyond just this single security product. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems should be implemented as complementary measures to ensure that even if one security mechanism fails, other protective layers remain effective. Regular security audits and penetration testing should also be conducted to identify similar configuration issues that might exist within other security controls.