CVE-2010-3498 in AVG
Summary
by MITRE
AVG Anti-Virus does not properly interact with the processing of hcp:// URLs by the Microsoft Help and Support Center, which makes it easier for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via malware that is correctly detected by this product, but with a detection approach that occurs too late to stop the code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3498 represents a critical timing flaw in AVG Anti-Virus software that stems from improper coordination with Microsoft's Help and Support Center processing mechanisms. This issue specifically affects the handling of hcp:// URLs which are used by Microsoft's help system to launch local help content and documentation. The flaw occurs when malware is correctly detected by AVG's antivirus engine but the detection process happens after the malicious code has already begun execution through the help system's URL processing. This represents a classic case of delayed security response where the protective measures fail to prevent exploitation during the critical execution window. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-840 weakness category, which specifically addresses inadequate input validation and processing delays that enable attackers to exploit system components before security controls can be effectively applied.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the asynchronous nature of security processing within the Windows environment where the help system's URL handler operates independently of the antivirus detection mechanisms. When an hcp:// URL is processed, it triggers the Microsoft Help and Support Center to execute code from the specified location, which can include malicious payloads that have already been identified by AVG's signature-based detection system. The timing gap between detection and prevention allows attackers to leverage this window to execute arbitrary code, effectively bypassing the security controls that should have stopped the malicious activity. This vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in how endpoint protection solutions coordinate with system-level components, particularly in scenarios where the security product's detection occurs after the execution context has already been established.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple malware execution, as it represents a broader class of attack vectors that exploit timing-based security gaps in enterprise environments. Organizations running AVG Anti-Virus software are particularly vulnerable to attacks that utilize this specific exploitation technique, as the security solution's effectiveness is significantly diminished when it cannot prevent execution of detected threats. Attackers can craft malicious hcp:// URL schemes that appear legitimate to users while simultaneously containing payloads that are properly identified by AVG's antivirus engine but executed before the security solution can intervene. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and defense in depth, as it allows attackers to bypass multiple layers of security controls through a single point of failure in the detection and prevention sequence.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3498 require both immediate patching and operational adjustments to prevent exploitation. Organizations should immediately update to the latest version of AVG Anti-Virus that addresses this specific timing issue, as the vulnerability was resolved through enhanced coordination between the antivirus engine and Windows help system processing. System administrators should implement network-level controls to block hcp:// URL schemes if they are not required for business operations, effectively creating a perimeter defense against this specific attack vector. Additionally, monitoring and logging of hcp:// URL processing should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1218.001 which covers the use of help and support center URLs for malicious purposes. The remediation process should also include user education to prevent social engineering attacks that might leverage this vulnerability, as the attack often relies on users unknowingly clicking on malicious help system links that appear legitimate.