CVE-2007-1227 in Virex
Summary
by MITRE
VShieldCheck in McAfee VirusScan for Mac (Virex) before 7.7 patch 1 allow local users to change permissions of arbitrary files via a symlink attack on /Library/Application Support/Virex/VShieldExclude.txt, as demonstrated by symlinking to the root crontab file to execute arbitrary commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1227 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within McAfee VirusScan for Mac versions prior to 7.7 patch 1. This issue specifically affects the VShieldCheck component that manages system security policies and file access controls. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient access control mechanisms within the application's handling of symbolic links during file permission operations. The flaw enables local attackers to exploit a race condition in the file system interaction process, allowing them to manipulate the permissions of arbitrary system files through carefully crafted symbolic link attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the /Library/Application Support/Virex/VShieldExclude.txt file, which serves as a configuration file controlling which files the antivirus software should exclude from scanning. Attackers can create a symbolic link pointing to sensitive system files such as the root crontab file, effectively bypassing normal file permission controls. This symlink attack exploits the lack of proper validation when the VShieldCheck component processes file paths, allowing the attacker to manipulate the target file's permissions and subsequently execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges. The vulnerability operates under CWE-59, which specifically addresses the improper handling of symbolic links and the associated privilege escalation risks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, creating a significant security risk for Mac systems running affected versions of McAfee VirusScan. Attackers can leverage this flaw to modify critical system files, potentially installing malicious software, modifying system configurations, or establishing persistent backdoors. The vulnerability particularly affects systems where McAfee VirusScan is installed with administrative privileges, as the VShieldCheck component typically operates with elevated permissions. This creates a scenario where local users can effectively compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the entire system, potentially leading to complete system takeover and data exfiltration. The attack vector demonstrates the classic attack pattern outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of weak file permissions and symbolic link manipulation to gain elevated access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1227 require immediate patching of the affected McAfee VirusScan for Mac versions to the 7.7 patch 1 or later releases that address the symbolic link handling vulnerability. System administrators should also implement additional security controls such as monitoring for suspicious symbolic link creation patterns in the application support directories, implementing mandatory access controls, and ensuring that only authorized personnel have administrative privileges on systems running antivirus software. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms, particularly when dealing with file system operations that involve symbolic links. Organizations should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized modifications to critical system files and establish comprehensive security awareness programs to prevent local privilege escalation attacks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for similar flaws in other security software components that may be vulnerable to similar symbolic link attack vectors.