CVE-2010-0106 in Client Security
Summary
by MITRE
The on-demand scanning in Symantec AntiVirus 10.0.x and 10.1.x before MR9, AntiVirus 10.2.x, and Client Security 3.0.x and 3.1.x before MR9, when Tamper protection is disabled, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (prevention of on-demand scanning) via "specific events" that prevent the user from having read access to unspecified resources.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0106 represents a significant security flaw in Symantec's anti-virus software ecosystem, specifically affecting versions 10.0.x through 10.2.x and Client Security 3.0.x through 3.1.x. This weakness manifests when tamper protection is disabled, creating an exploitable condition that remote attackers can leverage to disrupt critical security operations. The flaw fundamentally undermines the integrity of on-demand scanning functionality, which serves as a crucial defensive mechanism for detecting and neutralizing malicious threats in real-time environments. The vulnerability operates through specific event sequences that manipulate file access permissions, effectively preventing legitimate users from accessing necessary system resources required for proper scanning operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate access control mechanisms within the anti-virus software's on-demand scanning component. When tamper protection is disabled, the system fails to properly validate user permissions and resource access requests, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the scanning process. This condition falls under the CWE-284 access control weakness category, specifically addressing improper access control in software components that handle security-critical functions. The flaw exploits the fundamental principle of least privilege by allowing unauthorized modification of scanning operations through manipulation of system events that should normally be protected from external interference.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe disruption to security operations by preventing legitimate on-demand scanning activities. Organizations relying on Symantec's anti-virus solutions face potential exposure to malicious threats during periods when scanning is disabled, as attackers can systematically prevent the system from performing its primary security function. The denial of service condition affects not only the immediate availability of scanning capabilities but also compromises the overall security posture by creating windows of vulnerability where malware can be introduced and executed without detection. This vulnerability directly impacts the availability and integrity aspects of the CIA triad, undermining the system's ability to maintain proper security monitoring and threat detection capabilities.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly in the execution and privilege escalation domains. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain persistent access to systems while evading detection, as the normal scanning mechanisms that would identify malicious activity are rendered ineffective. The vulnerability also relates to the persistence and defense evasion tactics, as it allows attackers to maintain access while preventing security systems from functioning properly. Organizations implementing Symantec anti-virus solutions must consider this vulnerability as part of their broader threat landscape assessment, particularly in environments where security controls are intentionally weakened or disabled for operational convenience.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0106 require immediate implementation of several protective measures including maintaining tamper protection functionality in active use, implementing proper access controls for system resources, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect anomalous scanning behavior. Organizations should ensure that all Symantec products are updated to versions that address this vulnerability, typically through the release of MR9 patches or subsequent updates. Network segmentation and privilege management controls should be implemented to limit the impact of potential exploitation, while regular security audits should verify that tamper protection mechanisms remain enabled. Additionally, implementing comprehensive logging and monitoring of anti-virus scanning activities enables early detection of potential exploitation attempts and provides forensic evidence for incident response activities.