CVE-2002-1540 in Norton Antivirus
Summary
by MITRE
The client for Symantec Norton AntiVirus Corporate Edition 7.5.x before 7.5.1 Build 62 and 7.6.x before 7.6.1 Build 35a runs winhlp32 with raised privileges, which allows local users to gain privileges by using certain features of winhlp32.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1540 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within Symantec Norton AntiVirus Corporate Edition versions 7.5.x prior to 7.5.1 Build 62 and 7.6.x prior to 7.6.1 Build 35a. This issue stems from the client application's improper handling of the winhlp32.exe helper application, which is a legacy Windows help file viewer that has been historically prone to security vulnerabilities. The flaw occurs when the Norton AntiVirus client executes winhlp32 with elevated privileges, creating an exploitable condition that allows local attackers to escalate their system access rights. This vulnerability operates under the weakness category of CWE-264, which encompasses permissions, privileges, and access control issues, specifically manifesting as a privilege escalation vulnerability that directly violates the principle of least privilege in system security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the inherent design flaw in how Norton AntiVirus manages help file execution. When certain features of the antivirus software require help file assistance, the client application launches winhlp32.exe with administrative or system-level privileges rather than running with the minimum required permissions. This behavior creates a persistent security risk because winhlp32.exe has been widely documented as a vector for privilege escalation attacks due to its ability to execute arbitrary code and access system resources. Attackers can manipulate the help file system to trigger malicious code execution within the elevated context, effectively bypassing the normal user permission boundaries. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Local Privilege Escalation' through the exploitation of system-level processes and their improper privilege management.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security model of the affected antivirus solution. Local users who can access the system can exploit this weakness to gain administrative control over the machine, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This risk is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where antivirus software typically runs with elevated privileges to perform its security functions, but the specific implementation flaw creates a dangerous loophole. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of privilege creep where the security software itself becomes a vector for privilege abuse, undermining the very protection it is designed to provide. Organizations using these vulnerable versions face significant risk of internal threats and potential lateral movement within their networks, as attackers who gain initial access can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent administrative access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1540 focus on immediate remediation through patching the affected Norton AntiVirus versions to the secure builds mentioned in the advisory. System administrators should prioritize updating to Symantec Norton AntiVirus Corporate Edition 7.5.1 Build 62 or 7.6.1 Build 35a, which contain the necessary fixes to prevent winhlp32 from running with elevated privileges. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and privilege restriction policies can help limit the potential impact of exploitation, although these measures do not address the core vulnerability. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious winhlp32 process execution patterns and privilege escalation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting controls to prevent unauthorized execution of winhlp32.exe in elevated contexts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper privilege management in security software and the necessity of thorough security testing for all system components that handle elevated privileges. This case study exemplifies how even well-established security vendors can introduce privilege escalation vulnerabilities through improper process management, highlighting the need for continuous security assessments and the principle that security software must not become a security risk itself.