CVE-2006-3072 in Security Information Manager
Summary
by MITRE
M4 Macro Library in Symantec Security Information Manager before 4.0.2.29 HOTFIX 1 allows local users to execute arbitrary commands via crafted "rule definitions", which produces dangerous Java code during M4 transformation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3072 resides within the M4 Macro Library implementation of Symantec Security Information Manager version 4.0.2.28 and earlier releases. This flaw represents a critical command injection vulnerability that arises from insufficient input validation during the M4 transformation process. The M4 macro processor is responsible for transforming rule definitions into executable Java code, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary commands through carefully crafted input sequences. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system processes rule definitions that contain malicious macro expansions, leading to the generation of dangerous Java code that executes with the privileges of the affected service.
This security weakness operates at the intersection of code generation and input sanitization failures, making it particularly dangerous as it allows local users to bypass normal access controls and execute unauthorized operations on the target system. The M4 transformation process, which is designed to automate code generation based on macro definitions, becomes a vector for privilege escalation when user-supplied rule definitions are not properly validated or sanitized. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple command execution to potentially enable full system compromise, as the generated Java code inherits the privileges of the running Symantec Security Information Manager service. This represents a classic example of a code injection vulnerability where the transformation layer becomes the attack surface rather than the direct execution point.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe for organizations relying on Symantec Security Information Manager for security policy enforcement and log analysis. Local users who can submit rule definitions to the system can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack requires local access to the system but does not require network connectivity, making it particularly concerning for environments where local privilege escalation is a risk. From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: Java, and CWE-94 for Improper Control of Generation of Code, specifically focusing on the improper handling of code generation during macro expansion. The vulnerability's exploitation demonstrates a failure in the principle of least privilege and input validation, creating a pathway for attackers to execute malicious code through legitimate system components.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement the available hotfix version 4.0.2.29 HOTFIX 1 or upgrade to a supported release that addresses the M4 macro processing validation issues. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of existing rule definitions to identify any potentially malicious inputs that may have been processed through the vulnerable transformation layer. The mitigation strategy should include implementing strict input validation for all rule definitions and monitoring for unusual command execution patterns. Additionally, organizations should consider restricting local access to the Symantec Security Information Manager service and implementing network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure code generation practices and proper input sanitization in automated transformation processes, particularly when dealing with user-supplied macros that can influence code execution.