CVE-2006-4657 in Platinum Internet Security
Summary
by MITRE
Panda Platinum Internet Security 2006 10.02.01 and 2007 11.00.00 stores service executables under the product s installation directory with weak permissions, which allows local users to obtain LocalSystem privileges by modifying (1) WebProxy.exe or (2) PAVSRV51.EXE.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4657 affects Panda Platinum Internet Security versions 2006 10.02.01 and 2007 11.00.00, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw that exploits weak file permissions within the product's installation directory. This issue stems from the software's improper handling of service executable files, specifically WebProxy.exe and PAVSRV51.EXE, which are installed with insufficient access controls that permit local users to modify these critical components. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources, and demonstrates how poor privilege management can create severe security implications within endpoint protection software.
The technical flaw manifests when service executables are placed in the installation directory with overly permissive access controls, typically granting write permissions to local user accounts or groups. When local users can modify these executables, they can potentially inject malicious code or alter existing functionality to escalate their privileges to LocalSystem level. This represents a classic privilege escalation attack vector where the attacker leverages the software's own service executables to gain elevated system access. The vulnerability specifically targets the WebProxy.exe and PAVSRV51.EXE components, which are core to the security product's operation and likely run with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it allows any local user to potentially gain complete system control without requiring administrative credentials or complex exploitation techniques. Once a local user modifies one of the vulnerable executables, they can execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges, effectively bypassing the security protections that the endpoint security software is designed to provide. This creates a dangerous paradox where the security product becomes a vector for system compromise rather than a protective barrier. The attack requires minimal sophistication and can be executed by any user with local access to the system, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where user access controls may be less stringent.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate permission adjustments to the installation directory and its contained executables, ensuring that only authorized system processes can modify these critical files. System administrators should implement proper file access controls using discretionary access control lists that restrict write permissions to administrators and system accounts only. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that service executables maintain appropriate permissions and that no unauthorized modifications have occurred. This vulnerability exemplifies the importance of principle of least privilege and proper access control implementation, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which addresses local privilege escalation through service manipulation. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized modifications to critical system files and maintain regular patch management procedures to address known vulnerabilities in security software.