CVE-2006-0858 in Safe n Sec
Summary
by MITRE
Unquoted Windows search path vulnerability in (1) snsmcon.exe, (2) the autostartup mechanism, and (3) an unspecified installation component in StarForce Safe n Sec Personal + Anti-Spyware 2.0 and earlier, and possibly other StarForce Safe n Sec products, might allow local users to gain privileges via a malicious "program" file in the C: folder.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-0858 represents a critical unquoted search path weakness affecting StarForce Safe n Sec Personal + Anti-Spyware 2.0 and earlier versions, as well as potentially other products in the StarForce Safe n Sec product line. This flaw specifically impacts three distinct components including snsmcon.exe, the autostartup mechanism, and an unspecified installation component. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of executable paths during the Windows search path resolution process, creating opportunities for privilege escalation attacks. The issue is particularly concerning because it affects system-level components that are typically executed with elevated privileges during system startup or installation processes.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-428, which describes unquoted search path vulnerabilities where Windows searches for executables in a specific order without properly quoting paths containing spaces. In this case, when the system attempts to locate and execute programs through the autostartup mechanism or during installation processes, it follows a predictable search order that includes the C: root directory. If a malicious actor places a specially crafted executable file named "program.exe" in the C: folder, the system will execute this malicious file instead of the legitimate program that the system intended to launch. This behavior occurs because Windows does not properly quote paths in the search sequence, allowing attackers to exploit the path resolution mechanism.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for local attackers who can leverage the unquoted search path to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the affected application. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it targets the autostartup mechanism, meaning that successful exploitation could occur automatically during system boot or when the vulnerable application is installed. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to privilege escalation, as the malicious program would run with the same privileges as the legitimate program it replaces. This vulnerability particularly affects systems where users have local access and can place files in the C: root directory, making it exploitable in both corporate and home environments where standard security controls may be insufficient.
The attack pattern for this vulnerability follows the techniques outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1068, which describes local privilege escalation through the exploitation of unquoted paths. Attackers typically need to place their malicious executable in a location that Windows will search before the legitimate program, which in this case would be the C: root directory. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because it affects installation components, meaning that successful exploitation could occur during the installation process itself, potentially providing attackers with a persistent foothold on the system. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without requiring network connectivity or specific user interaction beyond placing files in the system directory.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on proper path quoting during installation processes and implementing least privilege principles for system components. System administrators should ensure that all executable paths containing spaces are properly quoted to prevent the search path resolution from being exploited. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that applications run with minimal necessary permissions. Organizations should also implement file system monitoring to detect unauthorized executable placement in system directories, particularly the C: root directory. Regular security assessments should include checks for unquoted search paths in all installed applications, and system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of unauthorized programs. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping software updated, as newer versions of StarForce products would likely address these path resolution issues through proper quoting mechanisms and enhanced security controls.