CVE-2007-4648 in Virus Control
Summary
by MITRE
The nvcoaft51 driver in Norman Virus Control (NVC) 5.82 uses weak permissions (unrestricted write access) for the NvcOa device, which allows local users to gain privileges by (1) triggering a buffer overflow in a kernel pool via a string argument to ioctl 0xBF67201C; or by (2) sending a crafted KEVENT structure through ioctl 0xBF672028 to overwrite arbitrary memory locations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2019
The CVE-2007-4648 vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Norman Virus Control 5.82 security suite, specifically targeting the nvcoaft51 kernel driver component. This vulnerability stems from improper access control mechanisms that grant unrestricted write permissions to the NvcOa device interface, creating a fundamental security weakness that can be exploited by local attackers to elevate their system privileges. The flaw exists within the driver's implementation where the device file lacks proper permission controls, allowing any local user to interact with the kernel-level interface without adequate authorization checks. This design oversight creates an attack surface that directly violates security principle of least privilege and enables malicious code execution at kernel level.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through two distinct attack vectors that leverage different kernel interfaces exposed by the vulnerable driver. The first vector involves triggering a buffer overflow condition through ioctl command 0xBF67201C, where a specially crafted string argument can cause memory corruption in the kernel pool, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions in kernel space, and represents a classic example of improper input validation at kernel interfaces. The second exploitation method utilizes ioctl 0xBF672028 to send a malicious KEVENT structure, which allows attackers to overwrite arbitrary memory locations within the kernel address space, effectively enabling direct memory manipulation and privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-4648 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the operating system's security model. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can gain kernel-level privileges, which provides them with complete control over the system including the ability to install malicious software, modify system files, bypass security controls, and potentially access sensitive data. The attack requires local system access but does not need network connectivity, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local access is possible or where privilege escalation attacks are combined with other exploitation techniques. From an attack chain perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes local privilege escalation through kernel exploits, and represents a common path for attackers to establish persistent access and elevate their privileges within compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4648 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to a patched version of Norman Virus Control that addresses the weak permissions and kernel interface vulnerabilities. System administrators should also implement strict access controls and monitor for unauthorized device file access patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper kernel driver security implementation, including mandatory access controls, input validation, and privilege separation. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments of kernel modules and device drivers, particularly those with direct hardware or system interface access. Additionally, implementing kernel-level protections such as address space layout randomization and kernel address space protection can help mitigate exploitation attempts even if the underlying vulnerability persists in other systems. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices in kernel space and the necessity of thorough security testing for all system-level components.