CVE-2003-0062 in NOD32 Antivirus
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Eset Software NOD32 for UNIX before 1.013 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long path name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0062 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Eset Software NOD32 for UNIX versions prior to 1.013. This security weakness resides in the antivirus software's handling of file paths during scanning operations, creating an exploitable condition that could allow local attackers to gain elevated privileges and execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the software processes file paths that exceed predetermined buffer limits, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for malicious purposes.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from inadequate input validation within the NOD32 UNIX antivirus daemon. When processing file paths, the software fails to properly check the length of pathnames against allocated buffer boundaries, resulting in stack-based buffer overflow conditions. This flaw aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes stack-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities, and represents a classic example of improper bounds checking in memory management operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the local user level, meaning any user with access to the system can potentially exploit it without requiring network connectivity or remote access privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-0062 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete system compromise. Local attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the NOD32 daemon process, which typically runs with elevated permissions to perform system-level scanning operations. This creates a significant attack surface where malicious actors can leverage the vulnerability to install backdoors, modify system files, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal prerequisites and can be executed through simple file path manipulation, making it accessible to attackers with basic technical knowledge.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of affected NOD32 UNIX installations to version 1.013 or later, which includes proper input validation and buffer length checks. System administrators should also implement additional security controls such as restricting file system access permissions for the antivirus daemon and monitoring for unusual file path patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and execution through local system processes. Organizations should consider implementing process monitoring and anomaly detection to identify potential exploitation attempts, as the buffer overflow could be used as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks within the network infrastructure.