CVE-2002-1695 in Internet Security
Summary
by MITRE
Norton Internet Security 2001 opens log files with FILE_SHARE_READ and FILE_SHARE_WRITE permissions, which could allow remote attackers to modify the log file contents while Norton Internet Security is running.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1695 represents a critical access control flaw in Norton Internet Security 2001 that stems from improper file handling practices during log file operations. This issue manifests when the security software opens its log files with overly permissive sharing permissions, specifically employing FILE_SHARE_READ and FILE_SHARE_WRITE flags that grant concurrent access to multiple processes. The flaw creates an exploitable condition where malicious actors can manipulate log file contents while the security application remains active, potentially compromising the integrity of security event logging and audit trails.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability directly relates to CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions and inadequate access control mechanisms. The implementation error occurs at the operating system level where Norton Internet Security 2001 fails to properly restrict file access during log file operations, creating a window of opportunity for attackers to inject malicious content or modify existing entries. The sharing permissions granted during file opening operations bypass normal access control restrictions that would typically prevent concurrent modifications, allowing unauthorized processes to write to or read from the same log files being monitored by the security application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file corruption, as it fundamentally undermines the trustworthiness of security event logging and audit capabilities. When attackers can modify log files while the security application is running, they gain the ability to cover their tracks, inject false security events, or manipulate the security software's operational behavior. This compromises the integrity of security monitoring systems and can lead to false negatives where malicious activities go undetected due to tampered log entries. The vulnerability also represents a significant concern from an attacker's perspective as it provides a persistent method of maintaining access while avoiding detection through log-based forensic analysis.
This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1070.006 (Indicator Removal on Host) and T1562.001 (Disable or Modify Tools) as it enables attackers to modify security software logs and potentially compromise the effectiveness of security monitoring. The flaw creates a persistent backdoor opportunity where attackers can maintain their presence while ensuring that their activities remain hidden from security event monitoring. Organizations utilizing Norton Internet Security 2001 would be particularly vulnerable to this attack vector as the software's logging mechanisms become compromised, undermining the fundamental security posture that the application is designed to provide.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate patching of Norton Internet Security 2001 to address the file sharing permission implementation, implementing proper file access controls that restrict concurrent access to log files, and establishing additional monitoring for unauthorized log file modifications. Security administrators should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on unauthorized changes to critical log files, as well as reviewing and implementing proper access control policies that prevent unauthorized processes from accessing security application log files. Additionally, organizations should ensure that security software is configured to use more restrictive file sharing permissions that align with security best practices and industry standards for protecting audit trails and security event logging mechanisms.