CVE-2005-1107 in Internet Security Suite
Summary
by MITRE
McAfee Internet Security Suite 2005 uses insecure default ACLs for installed files, which allows local users to gain privileges or disable protection by modifying certain files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1107 represents a critical access control flaw within McAfee Internet Security Suite 2005 that fundamentally compromises the security posture of systems running this software. This issue stems from the software's installation process where default access control lists are improperly configured for critical system files, creating a persistent attack surface that can be exploited by local adversaries. The insecure default ACLs essentially provide unauthorized users with elevated privileges or the ability to disable crucial security protections, directly undermining the core purpose of endpoint protection software.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses incorrect default permissions, and demonstrates how improper access control implementation can create systemic security weaknesses. When McAfee Internet Security Suite 2005 installs its components, it fails to establish proper file permissions that would normally restrict modification to authorized users only. This flaw allows local attackers to manipulate critical security files, potentially enabling privilege escalation attacks or complete disabling of the security suite's protective mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it exists at the installation level, meaning that any user with local access to the system can exploit this weakness without requiring additional attack vectors or complex exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the trust model that security software relies upon. When local users can modify security files, they effectively bypass the very protections that the software was designed to provide, creating a false sense of security while simultaneously opening doors for more sophisticated attacks. This vulnerability also intersects with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation,' and T1566, which covers 'Phishing for Information,' as attackers can leverage this weakness to create persistent access or disable security monitoring capabilities. The flaw particularly affects enterprise environments where multiple users may have local access to systems, as it creates a potential backdoor that can be exploited to maintain persistent access or disable security monitoring.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including verifying file permissions on McAfee installation directories, applying security patches provided by McAfee, and conducting comprehensive security audits of all installed security software to ensure proper access controls are in place. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper security hardening procedures, particularly for security software installations, as recommended in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 standards. Regular monitoring of file system permissions and implementing automated tools to detect unauthorized permission changes can help identify exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regularly reviewing access permissions for security software components to prevent similar issues from occurring in other security solutions.