CVE-2000-1128 in VirusScan
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration of McAfee VirusScan 4.5 does not quote the ImagePath variable, which improperly sets the search path and allows local users to place a Trojan horse "common.exe" program in the C:\Program Files directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-1128 represents a classic path traversal and privilege escalation issue affecting McAfee VirusScan 4.5 default installations. This flaw stems from improper handling of the ImagePath variable within the Windows service configuration, creating a dangerous condition where the system searches for executable files in predictable locations without proper quoting mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically impacts the Windows service configuration where the ImagePath parameter defines the location of the executable file that runs as a service, and the lack of proper quoting allows attackers to manipulate the execution path.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the Windows service manager processes the ImagePath variable without properly enclosing it in quotation marks. This omission allows the system to interpret the path incorrectly, potentially leading to the execution of malicious code placed in directories that are searched before the intended program location. When McAfee VirusScan 4.5 is installed with default settings, the service configuration creates a scenario where the system searches for executables in a predictable order, and the absence of proper quoting means that if a malicious file named "common.exe" is placed in the C:\Program Files directory, it could be executed instead of the legitimate McAfee component.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates a persistent backdoor mechanism that attackers can leverage to maintain access to compromised systems. Local users with basic privileges can exploit this flaw to install malicious software that will execute with the privileges of the service account, typically SYSTEM level privileges on Windows systems. This represents a significant security risk because the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring administrative access to the system, and the malicious code can persist across reboots as long as the service remains configured with the vulnerable ImagePath parameter.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-78 and CWE-88 categories, which address improper neutralization of special elements used in OS command injection and command injection attacks respectively. The flaw also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation through service binary modification and persistence mechanisms. The attack vector leverages the principle of least privilege violation by allowing local users to manipulate service configurations and subsequently execute malicious code with elevated privileges. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and quoting in service configuration parameters, as well as the need for security-conscious default configurations that minimize attack surface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper quoting in the ImagePath variable within the Windows registry, ensuring that service executable paths are properly enclosed in quotation marks. System administrators should conduct thorough audits of service configurations across all McAfee installations to identify and correct similar issues in other software components. The recommended approach includes modifying the registry entries for the McAfee service to properly quote the ImagePath parameter, thereby preventing the search path manipulation that enables the exploitation. Additionally, implementing strict file system permissions and monitoring for unauthorized modifications to service configuration files provides layered defense against similar vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and patch management processes should include verification of service configurations to ensure that default installations do not contain exploitable settings that could be leveraged by local attackers to gain elevated privileges.