CVE-2005-3142 in Kaspersky Personal Security Suite
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in Kaspersky Antivirus (KAV) 5.0 and Kaspersky Personal Security Suite 1.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a CAB file with large records after the header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-3142 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within Kaspersky Antivirus version 5.0 and Kaspersky Personal Security Suite version 1.1. This flaw exists in the handling of CAB archive files, specifically when these archives contain large records following the header structure. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which encompasses heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The issue arises from the insufficient validation of archive record sizes during the decompression process, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered remotely through maliciously crafted CAB files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of file metadata within CAB archives. When Kaspersky's antivirus software processes these archives, it allocates memory buffers based on header information without adequate verification of the actual record sizes. Attackers can craft CAB files containing oversized records that exceed the allocated buffer boundaries, causing a heap overflow condition. This memory corruption can be leveraged to overwrite critical program variables, function pointers, or return addresses, ultimately allowing remote code execution with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered without user interaction, making it an ideal candidate for automated exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system compromise, as it affects the core security functionality of the antivirus software itself. When successfully exploited, the buffer overflow enables attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the antivirus process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can deliver malicious CAB files through various vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or network shares without requiring local access to the target system. This characteristic aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for command and control through remote access tools, as the compromised antivirus system could be used to establish persistent access or relay attacks against other networked systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected Kaspersky products, as the vendor would have released a security update addressing the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious CAB file transfers and consider quarantining or blocking CAB files from untrusted sources. The security community should also employ application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of potentially malicious archives and maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to identify similar vulnerabilities in other security software. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other applications that may be susceptible to similar heap-based buffer overflow conditions, particularly those handling compressed archive formats. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patches to ensure they do not introduce regressions in legitimate antivirus functionality while maintaining the integrity of the security solution's core protective capabilities.