CVE-2005-3215 in Antivir
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple interpretation error in unspecified versions of McAfee Antivirus allows remote attackers to bypass virus detection via a malicious executable in a specially crafted RAR file with malformed central and local headers, which can still be opened by products such as Winrar and PowerZip, even though they are rejected as corrupted by Winzip and BitZipper.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2017
This vulnerability represents a critical flaw in McAfee Antivirus software that demonstrates the complexities of file format interpretation and antivirus detection mechanisms. The issue stems from how the antivirus software processes RAR archive files, specifically when encountering malformed central and local headers within these archives. The vulnerability exploits a fundamental difference in how various archive utilities interpret and validate file structures, creating a window of opportunity for attackers to bypass security measures. This type of error falls under the category of multiple interpretation errors as defined by CWE-1279, where software fails to properly validate input data leading to unexpected behavior. The flaw manifests when McAfee's antivirus engine encounters a specially crafted RAR file that contains malformed headers, yet the file remains functional in legitimate archive applications like WinRAR and PowerZip, creating a false sense of security during the scanning process.
The technical execution of this attack relies on the subtle differences in archive validation between different software implementations. While WinRAR and PowerZip gracefully handle the malformed headers and successfully open the archive, WinZip and BitZipper correctly identify the file as corrupted and reject it. This discrepancy creates an exploitation vector where attackers can craft RAR files that pass through McAfee's detection system while being flagged as suspicious by other utilities. The vulnerability specifically targets the antivirus engine's interpretation of RAR file structures, particularly the central directory and local file headers that define how the archive should be processed. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through archive files, where adversaries leverage legitimate archive utilities to deliver malicious payloads while evading detection mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple bypass of antivirus protection, as it demonstrates a fundamental weakness in how security software validates file formats. Organizations relying on McAfee Antivirus for protection may experience false negatives when processing RAR archives, potentially allowing malicious executables to execute undetected within the network. The vulnerability creates a scenario where legitimate software validation differs from security software validation, leading to inconsistent threat detection across different tools. This inconsistency can result in attackers gaining a foothold in environments where they expect robust protection, as the antivirus software fails to properly identify the malicious content due to its lenient interpretation of the malformed archive structure. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining consistent validation standards across different security tools and applications to prevent exploitation through format interpretation differences.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require both immediate software updates and operational adjustments. Organizations should ensure they are running the latest versions of McAfee Antivirus that address this specific interpretation error, as vendors typically release patches to correct such validation issues. System administrators should consider implementing additional layers of protection beyond traditional antivirus solutions, including network-based intrusion detection systems and behavioral monitoring tools that can detect anomalous file extraction patterns. The vulnerability also emphasizes the need for regular security testing and validation of security tools against known attack vectors, particularly focusing on file format validation and interpretation differences between various software implementations. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can provide additional protection by limiting the execution of potentially malicious files even if they bypass initial detection mechanisms. Security teams should also monitor for similar vulnerabilities in other archive processing utilities and maintain updated threat intelligence to identify potential exploitation patterns that leverage format interpretation differences.