CVE-2005-3154 in BitDefender
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the logging funtionality in BitDefender AntiVirus 7.2 through 9 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in file or directory name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-3154 represents a critical format string vulnerability within the logging functionality of BitDefender AntiVirus versions 7.2 through 9. This flaw exists in the way the software processes file and directory names during logging operations, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation that can result in both denial of service conditions and potential arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability specifically targets the logging subsystem where the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in format string operations. This issue falls under the CWE-134 vulnerability category which specifically addresses the use of untrusted data in format string operations, a well-documented weakness that has been consistently exploited in various security breaches over the years.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker can manipulate file or directory names that are subsequently processed through the logging function. When the software's logging mechanism encounters these specially crafted names, it interprets format specifiers contained within the input as part of the format string rather than as literal text. This misinterpretation allows attackers to inject malicious format specifiers that can cause the application to read from arbitrary memory locations, write to specific memory addresses, or even execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple denial of service as it can potentially allow remote code execution, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where attackers can remotely trigger the vulnerable code path.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations relying on BitDefender AntiVirus versions within the affected range. The ability to cause denial of service means that legitimate users could be denied access to security services during critical periods, while the potential for arbitrary code execution opens the door to complete system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware within the compromised environment. The remote exploitation capability makes this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors as it requires no local access or physical presence to exploit, allowing for widespread impact across networks.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is primarily through file system operations where user-supplied names are logged, particularly in scenarios involving file sharing, network drives, or any environment where external file names might be processed by the antivirus software. Organizations should consider implementing immediate mitigations including patching to the latest versions of BitDefender software, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitoring for suspicious file naming patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and execution through legitimate system processes, as the exploitation can occur through normal file operations that the antivirus software would typically handle without issue. Security teams should also consider deploying additional monitoring mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all systems are updated to prevent this vulnerability from being leveraged in targeted attacks.