CVE-2008-0716 in Altiris Notification Server
Summary
by MITRE
The agent in Symantec Altiris Notification Server before 6.0 SP3 R7 allows local users to gain privileges via a "Shatter" style attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0716 resides within the Symantec Altiris Notification Server agent software, specifically affecting versions prior to 6.0 Service Pack 3 Release 7. This security flaw represents a privilege escalation vulnerability that exploits a technique known as "Shatter" style attack, which leverages weaknesses in Windows application programming interfaces to manipulate process privileges. The vulnerability occurs within the agent component that runs with elevated privileges on target systems, creating a potential attack vector for local adversaries seeking to elevate their access rights. The Shatter attack methodology targets the Windows message handling system by exploiting the way applications process window messages, particularly when dealing with privilege levels and process integrity. This technique allows an attacker to inject malicious code or manipulate existing processes to execute with higher privileges than originally intended, effectively bypassing standard security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper privilege handling within the Symantec Altiris Notification Server agent when processing certain system calls or message sequences. The flaw manifests when the agent receives crafted input that triggers a specific code path within the Windows API processing, allowing the local user to manipulate the privilege context of the running process. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of privilege escalation flaws that are classified as CWE-264 in the Common Weakness Enumeration system, specifically relating to permissions, privileges, and access control issues. The attack vector requires local system access but does not necessitate network connectivity, making it particularly concerning for environments where physical access or initial compromise is already achieved. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the agent's security model where it fails to properly validate or sanitize input that could influence process privilege levels during runtime operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain access to sensitive system resources, modify critical system files, install malicious software, or establish persistent backdoors within the compromised environment. The Symantec Altiris Notification Server is commonly deployed in enterprise environments for system management and monitoring purposes, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could provide attackers with access to critical infrastructure management tools. The affected environment typically includes systems where the notification server agent is running with administrative privileges, creating a high-value target for attackers seeking to maintain persistent access or escalate their operations within the network. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that it requires minimal user interaction or specialized knowledge to exploit, making it an attractive target for both skilled and less experienced attackers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0716 primarily focus on updating the Symantec Altiris Notification Server to version 6.0 SP3 R7 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the privilege escalation flaw. System administrators should also implement the principle of least privilege by ensuring that the notification server agent runs with minimal required privileges rather than administrative rights. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unusual process behavior, implementing application whitelisting policies, and conducting regular security assessments of management tools. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploitation of software vulnerabilities, and T1548.002, covering abuse of group privileges. Organizations should also consider network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation and implement robust patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patches in controlled environments before widespread deployment to avoid potential compatibility issues with existing system configurations.