CVE-2005-3231 in Quick Heal
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple interpretation error in unspecified versions of CAT Quick Heal 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 • 07/29/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-3231 represents a critical flaw in the CAT Quick Heal antivirus software that stems from improper handling of archive file structures during virus detection processes. This weakness specifically manifests when processing RAR archive files containing malicious executables with deliberately corrupted central and local headers. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental misinterpretation of file format specifications that allows attackers to craft malicious archives that evade detection while remaining functional across multiple decompression tools. The vulnerability exists in unspecified versions of the CAT Quick Heal product line, indicating a widespread issue affecting various iterations of the software.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the software's inadequate validation of RAR archive structures during the scanning process. When CAT Quick Heal encounters a RAR file with malformed headers, it fails to properly identify the corrupted structure as suspicious, instead treating the file as legitimate. This interpretation error occurs because the antivirus engine does not implement robust header validation routines that would flag the inconsistencies in the central and local headers. The flaw operates at the file format parsing level, where the software's parser accepts malformed structures without proper error handling or security checks. This behavior aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of input data that leads to security vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it creates a false sense of security for users relying on CAT Quick Heal protection. Attackers can exploit this weakness by creating RAR archives that appear legitimate to most decompression utilities but contain malicious code that bypasses antivirus detection. The fact that these archives can be opened successfully by popular tools like Winrar and PowerZip while being rejected by Winzip and BitZipper demonstrates the inconsistent behavior of different software implementations. This inconsistency allows attackers to craft payloads that are specifically designed to exploit the gaps in antivirus detection, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where multiple security tools are deployed. The attack vector operates entirely through file delivery mechanisms, requiring no user interaction beyond opening the malicious archive.
The vulnerability's exploitation potential extends beyond simple virus detection bypass, as it represents a broader category of file format interpretation errors that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. This flaw enables attackers to deliver malware through seemingly benign archive files, potentially leading to system compromise, data theft, or further network infiltration. The attack requires minimal technical expertise to execute, making it attractive to threat actors who may not possess advanced knowledge of security systems. Organizations using vulnerable versions of CAT Quick Heal face elevated risk of malware infections that could go undetected for extended periods, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent presence within their networks.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate software updates to address the specific interpretation error in the CAT Quick Heal product line. System administrators must ensure that all instances of the software are updated to versions that properly validate RAR archive structures and implement robust header checking mechanisms. Network security teams should implement additional layers of protection including network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious archive file transfers. Regular security assessments should include testing of antivirus software against known exploitation vectors to identify similar interpretation flaws. The remediation process should also involve educating users about the risks of opening untrusted archive files and implementing strict access controls for sensitive systems. This vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive testing of security software against malformed inputs and demonstrates the need for adherence to industry standards such as those defined in the ATT&CK framework for malware evasion techniques.