CVE-2005-2935 in antispyware
Summary
by MITRE
unquoted windows search path vulnerability in microsoft antispyware might allow local users to execute code via a malicious c:\program.exe file which is run by antispywaremain.exe when it attempts to execute gsasdtserv.exe. note: it is not clear whether this overlaps cve-2005-2940.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2935 represents a critical unquoted search path weakness within Microsoft Antispyware software that creates a significant privilege escalation vector for local attackers. This flaw specifically affects the antispywaremain.exe process which is responsible for executing gsasdtserv.exe components. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of executable paths during the software execution process, where the system fails to properly validate or quote path strings when searching for required executables. This behavior creates an opportunity for malicious actors to place specially crafted executables in strategic locations within the file system hierarchy, particularly in the c:\program.exe location as mentioned in the description.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the Windows operating system's search path resolution mechanism, which follows a specific order when locating executables. When antispywaremain.exe attempts to execute gsasdtserv.exe, it traverses the system path looking for the target executable. Due to the unquoted search path, if an attacker places a malicious program named program.exe in the c:\ directory, the system will execute this malicious file instead of the legitimate one. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-428 category known as "Unquoted Search Path," which is classified as a privilege escalation weakness that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The attack vector demonstrates a fundamental flaw in how the antispyware component handles path resolution without proper validation or quoting mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the system that can be leveraged for further compromise. Local users who gain access to the system can exploit this weakness to execute malicious code with the privileges of the antispyware service, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's persistence is enhanced by the fact that it operates at the system level within the antispyware framework, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically when the antispyware service runs. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, demonstrating how the vulnerability can be chained with other attack methods to achieve broader system access. The potential for this vulnerability to overlap with CVE-2005-2940 suggests similar path handling issues may exist across multiple Microsoft security components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2935 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. System administrators should immediately apply Microsoft security patches and updates that address the unquoted search path vulnerability within the antispyware components. Additionally, implementing proper path quoting practices in all executable references and ensuring that system services run with minimal required privileges can significantly reduce the attack surface. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by configuring antispyware services to operate under restricted user accounts rather than system-level accounts. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized executable placements in system directories. Security awareness training for administrators regarding proper path handling and the dangers of unquoted search paths can prevent future occurrences. Regular security audits should verify that all system components properly quote executable paths and that no unquoted search paths exist in the system configuration. The vulnerability highlights the importance of defensive programming practices and adherence to secure coding standards that prevent path traversal and injection attacks.