CVE-2007-2152 in VirusScan
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the On-Access Scanner in McAfee VirusScan Enterprise before 8.0i Patch 12 allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long filename containing multi-byte (Unicode) characters.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2152 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the On-Access Scanner component of McAfee VirusScan Enterprise version 8.0i Patch 10 and earlier releases. This security weakness specifically targets the file system monitoring functionality that operates in real-time to scan files as they are accessed or modified. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and memory management within the scanner's handling of file names, creating a condition where maliciously crafted file names can trigger memory corruption. The issue is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited by remote attackers who need only convince a user to interact with a specially crafted file, making the attack vector both user-assisted and remotely reachable. The vulnerability affects systems running McAfee VirusScan Enterprise 8.0i Patch 10 and earlier versions, with the specific patch level 8.0i Patch 12 providing the necessary fix to prevent exploitation.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from the scanner's inadequate handling of Unicode character sequences in file names. When processing file names containing multi-byte Unicode characters, the On-Access Scanner fails to properly validate the length of the input buffer, allowing an attacker to supply a filename that exceeds the allocated memory space. This overflow condition occurs during the file name processing routine where the system attempts to copy or parse the Unicode string into a fixed-size buffer without proper bounds checking. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the scanner encounters filenames with Unicode characters that require multiple bytes to represent, creating a scenario where the buffer boundaries are exceeded. This flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates how improper input validation can lead to arbitrary code execution. The attacker's payload can be embedded within the long filename, and when the scanner processes this malicious input, it overflows the buffer and potentially overwrites critical memory segments including return addresses, leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat to enterprise security infrastructure. Organizations relying on McAfee VirusScan Enterprise for endpoint protection face potential system compromise when attackers exploit this weakness, particularly in environments where users may encounter malicious files through email attachments, web downloads, or removable media. The user-assisted nature of the attack means that social engineering techniques can be employed to deliver the malicious payload, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in targeted attacks against specific organizations. The vulnerability's remote exploitability through user interaction creates a scenario where attackers can leverage legitimate file access patterns to gain unauthorized system access, potentially leading to data theft, privilege escalation, or establishment of persistent backdoors. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as successful exploitation can result in elevated system privileges. The impact is compounded by the fact that the On-Access Scanner operates at a system level, meaning that successful exploitation could provide attackers with immediate access to the underlying operating system and potentially network resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2152 require immediate implementation of the vendor-provided patch, specifically McAfee VirusScan Enterprise 8.0i Patch 12, which addresses the buffer overflow condition through proper input validation and memory management. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit potential attack vectors, while monitoring for suspicious file access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Security administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected versions of McAfee VirusScan Enterprise and ensure that all endpoints are properly updated. Additionally, implementing file name length restrictions and Unicode character validation at network boundaries can provide additional layers of defense. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the patch in controlled environments to prevent potential compatibility issues with existing security policies or applications. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous behavior patterns consistent with buffer overflow exploitation attempts, as the patch alone may not prevent all potential exploitation scenarios. Regular security audits and vulnerability management processes should be enhanced to ensure that similar issues are identified and addressed before they can be exploited in the field.