CVE-2007-0391 in BitDefender Client
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the log creation functionality of BitDefender Client Professional Plus 8.02 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via certain scan job settings.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0391 represents a critical format string flaw within the BitDefender Client Professional Plus 8.02 software, specifically affecting the log creation functionality. This vulnerability resides in the software's handling of user-supplied input during scan job configurations, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The issue stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the logging subsystem, where the application fails to properly handle format specifiers in user-provided strings. This flaw manifests when scan job settings contain maliciously crafted format strings that are subsequently processed by the logging function, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially overwrite critical program structures. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-134, which specifically addresses the use of format strings inappropriately, making it a direct descendant of the well-known format string vulnerability pattern that has plagued numerous software applications over the years. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations relying on BitDefender Client Professional Plus 8.02, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges on endpoint systems. The attack requires an attacker to have access to modify scan job settings, which could occur through legitimate administrative access or through privilege escalation attacks. Once exploited, the vulnerability could enable attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the BitDefender service account, potentially leading to full system compromise. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and execution techniques, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code through software vulnerabilities. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution as attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware components. Organizations using this specific version of BitDefender are particularly vulnerable since the flaw exists in the core logging functionality that is integral to the antivirus software's operation. The vulnerability's exploitation typically involves crafting malicious input that contains format specifiers such as %s, %d, or %x, which when processed by the vulnerable logging function, can cause stack-based buffer overflows or memory corruption. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through legitimate software usage patterns, making detection and prevention more challenging. The attack surface is limited to users who can modify scan job settings, but this access could be obtained through various means including social engineering, credential compromise, or through legitimate administrative functions within the organization's security infrastructure. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the dangers of using user-provided data in format string operations without adequate sanitization. The remediation approach requires immediate patching of the BitDefender Client Professional Plus 8.02 software to the latest version that addresses this specific vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish strict access controls for scan job configuration modifications. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the need for regular security assessments of endpoint protection software and the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all organizational systems. The broader implications of this vulnerability underscore the critical nature of input validation in security-critical applications and the potential for seemingly minor flaws to create significant security risks in enterprise environments.