CVE-2002-2275 in Fortres
Summary
by MITRE
Fortres 101 4.1 allows local users to bypass Fortres by pressing the Windows and "F" key together for 30 seconds, which opens multiple windows and eventually causes explorer.exe to crash, which then opens an unrestricted explorer.exe.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-2275 represents a significant security flaw in the Fortres 101 4.1 security software implementation that affects Windows operating systems. This weakness stems from an improper handling of keyboard input sequences within the security framework, specifically targeting the interaction between the Windows key and the F key combination. The flaw allows unauthorized local users to exploit a timing-based attack mechanism that leverages legitimate system keyboard shortcuts to bypass security controls. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates through a seemingly innocuous user interaction that does not require elevated privileges or specialized tools, making it accessible to any local user with physical access to the system.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the manipulation of Windows keyboard event handling within the Fortres 101 4.1 security context. When a user presses and holds the Windows key combined with the F key for exactly 30 seconds, the system's security layer fails to properly validate or intercept this specific key combination. This particular sequence triggers a cascade of system events that ultimately leads to explorer.exe crashing and restarting in an unrestricted state. The vulnerability demonstrates a lack of proper input validation and event filtering within the security software's keyboard interception mechanisms. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in input validation where the system fails to properly handle specific keyboard combinations, potentially leading to privilege escalation or unauthorized access to system resources. The timing aspect of 30 seconds suggests a deliberate design flaw in the security software's event processing logic, where certain key combinations are not adequately filtered or blocked.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple security bypass to potentially compromise the integrity of the entire system security posture. When explorer.exe crashes and restarts in an unrestricted state, it effectively removes the security controls imposed by Fortres 101 4.1, allowing the attacker to access system resources and applications that should have been restricted. This type of attack falls under the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation tactics, specifically targeting the use of legitimate system tools to bypass security controls. The vulnerability creates a window of opportunity where the security software temporarily loses control over the system's graphical interface, potentially allowing access to restricted areas of the file system, registry, or network resources. The local nature of this attack means that physical access to the system is required, but this limitation does not diminish its severity since local users often have significant access rights and can cause substantial damage.
The security implications of CVE-2002-2275 align with several key security principles and industry standards that emphasize the importance of robust input validation and proper event handling in security software. The vulnerability demonstrates how a simple keyboard sequence can be weaponized to undermine security controls, highlighting the need for comprehensive testing of security software against various user interaction patterns. From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability underscores the importance of implementing proper keyboard interception and validation mechanisms within security software frameworks. Organizations should consider implementing additional monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect unusual patterns of keyboard input that might indicate exploitation attempts. The flaw also emphasizes the need for regular security assessments of security software products to identify potential bypass mechanisms that could be exploited by determined attackers. This vulnerability serves as a reminder that security software itself can contain weaknesses that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized access to protected systems and resources.