CVE-2007-3022 in Norton Antivirus
Summary
by MITRE
Symantec Reporting Server 1.0.197.0, and other versions before 1.0.224.0, as used in Symantec Client Security 3.1 and later, and Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition (SAV CE) 10.1 and later, displays the password hash for a user after a failed login attempt, which makes it easier for remote attackers to conduct brute force attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3022 represents a critical security flaw in Symantec's reporting infrastructure that significantly undermines authentication security measures. This issue affects Symantec Reporting Server versions prior to 1.0.224.0, specifically impacting Symantec Client Security 3.1 and later versions, as well as Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition 10.1 and later implementations. The flaw manifests during failed authentication attempts when the system inadvertently exposes password hash information to unauthorized users, creating a substantial security risk that directly enables malicious actors to exploit the system through automated brute force methodologies.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper error handling within the authentication process of the Symantec Reporting Server component. When a user attempts to log in with incorrect credentials, the system's response mechanism fails to properly sanitize the error message, resulting in the disclosure of password hash data. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper error handling, as the system should not reveal any information that could aid in authentication bypass attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses the improper handling of sensitive information, and specifically demonstrates weaknesses in authentication mechanisms that expose system internals to attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, creating a direct pathway for automated attack vectors to compromise system security. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to conduct systematic brute force attacks against user accounts, significantly reducing the time and computational resources required to gain unauthorized access. The disclosure of password hashes enables attackers to perform offline password cracking using tools like hashcat or john the ripper, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where centralized security management systems are deployed, as it undermines the trust model that security administrators rely upon to protect critical infrastructure. The attack surface is further expanded due to the widespread adoption of Symantec's security products across corporate networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3022 require immediate implementation of software updates to patch the vulnerability in Symantec Reporting Server versions prior to 1.0.224.0. Organizations should prioritize upgrading all affected Symantec Client Security and SAV CE installations to ensure compliance with current security standards. Additionally, network administrators should implement enhanced monitoring of authentication attempts to detect unusual patterns that may indicate brute force attacks. Security controls should include enforcing account lockout policies, implementing multi-factor authentication mechanisms, and establishing robust network segmentation to limit the potential impact of credential compromise. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1110.003 (Brute Force: Password Guessing) and T1566.001 (Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment) as attackers can leverage the exposed information to enhance their credential theft capabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on suspicious authentication patterns, particularly those involving repeated failed login attempts that may indicate automated attack activity.