CVE-2007-2852 in NOD32
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in ESET NOD32 Antivirus before 2.70.37.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code during (1) delete/disinfect or (2) rename operations via a crafted directory name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2852 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in ESET NOD32 Antivirus software prior to version 2.70.37.0. This flaw exists within the antivirus's handling of directory names during specific operations, creating a pathway for remote code execution that significantly impacts system security. The vulnerability specifically manifests during two distinct operational contexts: delete/disinfect operations and rename operations, both of which involve processing user-provided directory names that are not properly validated for length or content.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the ESET NOD32 antivirus engine. When the software processes directory names during delete or rename operations, it fails to enforce proper bounds checking on the buffer allocated to store these names. This allows attackers to craft malicious directory names that exceed the allocated buffer space, resulting in stack corruption that can be exploited to overwrite return addresses and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the antivirus process. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow, which is classified as a critical weakness in software security design.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a means to compromise systems running vulnerable versions of ESET NOD32 antivirus. Since antivirus software typically runs with elevated privileges and has extensive system access, successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise. Attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to install backdoors, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require local access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where antivirus software is commonly deployed.
The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it occurs during routine antivirus operations that are likely to be triggered by various system activities. During delete or rename operations, the antivirus engine processes directory names that might originate from network shares, file systems, or other external sources, providing multiple attack vectors. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as it provides a means to execute arbitrary code and potentially escalate privileges. Organizations with vulnerable ESET NOD32 installations face significant risk, as this vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks against critical infrastructure or enterprise networks where such antivirus solutions are deployed.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of ESET NOD32 to version 2.70.37.0 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow conditions. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, while monitoring for suspicious directory operations that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix implemented by ESET likely involves proper bounds checking and input validation of directory names, ensuring that buffer allocations are sufficient to handle the maximum expected input length. Additionally, organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify any other systems running older versions of the software that may be similarly affected.