CVE-2005-2017 in Client Security
Summary
by MITRE
Symantec AntiVirus 9 Corporate Edition allows local users to gain privileges via the "Scan for viruses" option, which launches a help window with raised privileges, a re-introduction of a vulnerability that was originally identified and addressed by CVE-2002-1540.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2017 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within Symantec AntiVirus 9 Corporate Edition that exploits the software's handling of the "Scan for viruses" functionality. This issue demonstrates how legacy security measures can regress when new features are introduced without proper security considerations. The vulnerability specifically manifests when users execute the virus scanning operation, which subsequently triggers the launch of a help window component that operates with elevated privileges. This behavior creates a direct pathway for local attackers to exploit the system's privilege model and escalate their access rights from standard user level to administrative privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper privilege management within the antivirus software's user interface components. When the "Scan for viruses" option is executed, the application fails to properly sanitize the execution context of the help window component, allowing it to inherit and utilize elevated privileges that should be restricted to system-level operations only. This flaw represents a classic case of insufficient privilege separation and inadequate access control enforcement within the application's architecture. The vulnerability essentially creates a privilege escalation vector through which unprivileged users can execute code with administrative rights, effectively bypassing the operating system's standard security boundaries.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise environments where Symantec AntiVirus 9 is deployed. Local users who might otherwise have limited access to system resources can leverage this flaw to gain full administrative control over affected systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where users may have legitimate access to antivirus software but should not possess administrative privileges. This vulnerability undermines the fundamental security model of the operating system by allowing unauthorized privilege elevation through legitimate software functionality, potentially enabling attackers to install malicious software, modify system configurations, or exfiltrate sensitive data.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate implementation of vendor-provided patches and updates that address the privilege escalation mechanism within the antivirus software. System administrators should ensure that all instances of Symantec AntiVirus 9 Corporate Edition are updated to versions that properly isolate the help window component from elevated privilege contexts. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual privilege escalation attempts and establish baseline security configurations that minimize the attack surface. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privilege management, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploits. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of potentially vulnerable software components and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar privilege escalation vectors within their antivirus and security toolsets.