CVE-2002-0956 in BlackICE Agent
Summary
by MITRE
BlackICE Agent 3.1.eal does not always reactivate after a system standby, which could allow remote attackers and local users to bypass intended firewall restrictions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2019
The vulnerability identified in BlackICE Agent 3.1.eal represents a critical flaw in the network security software's handling of system power states, specifically during standby operations. This issue stems from the agent's failure to properly reinitialize its firewall protection mechanisms when a computer transitions from a suspended state back to active operation. The root cause lies in the software's inadequate management of network interface states and firewall rule enforcement during system resume cycles, creating a window of opportunity for unauthorized network access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the agent's inability to correctly restore its network filtering capabilities after a system standby event. When a computer enters standby mode, all active network connections are typically suspended and network interfaces are placed in a low-power state. Upon resuming operations, the BlackICE Agent should reestablish its firewall rules and network monitoring functions, but in version 3.1.eal, this process fails to complete properly. The flaw manifests as a partial or complete failure to reactivate the agent's protective measures, leaving the system exposed to potential attacks during the brief period when firewall protection is not active. This behavior creates a security gap that can persist until manual intervention occurs or until the system is rebooted.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple network access control failures, as it fundamentally undermines the integrity of the security infrastructure provided by the BlackICE Agent. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness by timing their network penetration attempts to coincide with system standby periods, knowing that the firewall protection may be temporarily disabled. Local users with administrative privileges can also leverage this vulnerability to bypass security restrictions, potentially gaining unauthorized access to system resources or network services that should otherwise be protected. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple system states makes it particularly dangerous, as it can remain active for extended periods without detection, creating a sustained risk to network security.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-1165, which addresses improper handling of system state transitions in security software, and represents a classic example of inadequate state management in security applications. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation issues can create significant security risks, particularly in environments where system power management is frequently utilized. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and defense evasion, as attackers can exploit the temporary firewall disablement to maintain persistent access or bypass security controls. Organizations using BlackICE Agent 3.1.eal should implement immediate mitigations including system hardening measures, monitoring for unauthorized network access during standby events, and consideration of alternative firewall solutions that properly handle system state transitions. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of thorough testing of security software under various system conditions, particularly regarding power management scenarios that are common in modern computing environments.