CVE-2005-1286 in Bitdefender
Summary
by MITRE
unquoted windows search path vulnerability in bitdefender 8 allows local users to prevent bitdefender from starting by creating a malicious c:\program.exe possibly due to the lack of quoting of the full pathname when executing a process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1286 represents a critical unquoted search path weakness in Bitdefender 8 antivirus software that fundamentally compromises system security through improper path handling during process execution. This flaw exists within the Windows operating system's security model where applications fail to properly quote file paths when invoking executables, creating opportunities for privilege escalation and service disruption. The vulnerability specifically manifests when Bitdefender attempts to execute processes from the c:\program.exe location, which lacks proper quotation around the full path specification, allowing local attackers to manipulate the execution flow.
This security weakness directly maps to CWE-428, which defines unquoted search paths as a condition where the system searches for executables in a predictable order without proper path validation. The vulnerability enables attackers to place malicious executables in directories that are searched before the intended target, effectively hijacking the execution flow. When Bitdefender attempts to launch a process from the unquoted path, the system resolves the path by searching through directories in the PATH environment variable, potentially executing attacker-controlled code instead of the legitimate program. This technique aligns with ATT&CK tactic T1036, specifically the 'Masquerading' sub-technique where adversaries create or modify files to appear legitimate and bypass security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass complete system compromise through privilege escalation. Local users can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Bitdefender service account, which typically operates with elevated permissions. Attackers can create malicious executables in the c:\program.exe location, effectively replacing legitimate binaries and gaining unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to prevent Bitdefender from starting properly, thereby disabling critical security protections and creating a window of opportunity for additional attacks. This represents a classic privilege escalation vector that undermines the fundamental security assumptions of endpoint protection software.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper path quoting during process execution and conducting regular security audits of installed software configurations. System administrators should ensure that all executable paths are properly quoted when invoked through the command line or system calls, preventing the search path resolution from being exploited. The recommended approach involves modifying the Bitdefender installation to include proper quotation marks around all file paths during process execution, which aligns with security best practices outlined in industry standards such as the CIS Windows Server 2016 Benchmark. Additionally, implementing least privilege principles and regular vulnerability assessments can help identify and remediate similar path handling issues in other security applications. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized executables from running in critical system directories, further reducing the attack surface for this type of vulnerability.