CVE-2004-1762 in F-Secure
Summary
by MITRE
Unknown vulnerability in F-Secure Anti-Virus (FSAV) 4.52 for Linux before Hotfix 3 allows the Sober.D worm to bypass FASV.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1762 represents a significant security flaw in F-Secure Anti-Virus version 4.52 for Linux systems prior to Hotfix 3. This issue specifically affects the F-Secure Anti-Virus (FSAV) protection mechanisms and allows the Sober.D worm to bypass the antivirus detection capabilities. The vulnerability stems from inadequate detection algorithms or signature matching processes within the FSAV 4.52 implementation that fail to properly identify the malicious Sober.D worm variant. This represents a critical failure in the antivirus software's ability to provide fundamental protection against known malware threats. The Sober.D worm, which was a prevalent malware variant during this period, exploited the weakness in FSAV's detection engine to evade quarantine and removal processes. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in the antivirus software's heuristic analysis capabilities or signature database updates, allowing malicious code to execute undetected on systems running the vulnerable FSAV version. This issue falls under the broader category of antivirus evasion techniques and represents a failure in the software's core protective functions.
The technical flaw manifests as a gap in the detection logic that prevents the FSAV 4.52 for Linux from properly recognizing the characteristics of the Sober.D worm. This vulnerability can be classified as a weakness in malware detection mechanisms and represents a failure in the antivirus engine's ability to identify and neutralize known threats. The flaw likely involves insufficient pattern matching or heuristic analysis that allows the worm to bypass the software's scanning processes. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability would be categorized under CWE-119 Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer or CWE-254 Security Features not properly implemented, depending on the specific implementation details. The vulnerability represents a failure in the software's ability to properly validate and analyze suspicious files, allowing malicious code to persist on infected systems. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the availability and integrity of systems protected by the antivirus software, as it provides attackers with a means to bypass security controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1762 is substantial for organizations relying on F-Secure Anti-Virus 4.52 for Linux protection. Systems running the vulnerable version remain exposed to Sober.D worm infections, which could lead to data compromise, system instability, and potential lateral movement within networks. The vulnerability creates a false sense of security for users who believe their systems are protected by FSAV, when in reality they remain vulnerable to this specific malware threat. Organizations may experience increased security incidents, compromised systems, and potential regulatory compliance issues due to the lack of proper malware detection. The vulnerability also impacts the overall trust in the antivirus solution, as it demonstrates that the software fails to provide adequate protection against known malware variants. This type of vulnerability can lead to significant business disruption and financial losses, particularly in environments where the Sober.D worm was actively spreading.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1762 involve immediate deployment of F-Secure Hotfix 3, which addresses the specific detection gap that allows the Sober.D worm to bypass protection. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all systems running F-Secure Anti-Virus are updated to the latest versions. Security administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems running the vulnerable FSAV 4.52 version and prioritize their remediation. Additional protective measures include implementing layered security approaches with multiple antivirus solutions, enabling real-time monitoring, and maintaining updated threat intelligence feeds. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and the need for organizations to maintain current antivirus signatures and detection capabilities. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability relates to T1070.004 Indicator Removal on Host, as the bypass allows malware to persist without detection, and T1566 Impersonation, as the malware can evade security controls. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems and behavioral analysis tools to provide additional protection layers against similar evasion techniques.