CVE-2010-5153 in Premium Security Suite
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** Race condition in Avira Premium Security Suite 10.0.0.536 on Windows XP allows local users to bypass kernel-mode hook handlers, and execute dangerous code that would otherwise be blocked by a handler but not blocked by signature-based malware detection, via certain user-space memory changes during hook-handler execution, aka an argument-switch attack or a KHOBE attack. NOTE: this issue is disputed by some third parties because it is a flaw in a protection mechanism for situations where a crafted program has already begun to execute.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-5153 represents a significant race condition within Avira Premium Security Suite version 10.0.0.536 on Windows XP systems that fundamentally undermines the security posture of the endpoint protection mechanism. This flaw operates at the kernel level and specifically targets the hook handler architecture that is designed to monitor and intercept potentially malicious system calls and memory operations. The race condition occurs during the execution of kernel-mode hook handlers, creating a temporal window where the security system becomes temporarily vulnerable to exploitation. The issue is particularly concerning because it allows local users to effectively bypass the very protections that are meant to prevent malicious code execution, creating a scenario where the security suite's defensive mechanisms become counterproductive rather than protective.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages what is commonly known as an argument-switch attack or KHOBE (Kernel Hook Obfuscation and Exploitation) technique. During the execution of kernel-mode hook handlers, attackers can manipulate user-space memory contents in such a way that the hook handler observes different arguments than those originally intended for the system call. This manipulation occurs within the critical timing window where the hook handler is processing the system call, allowing an attacker to effectively switch the arguments from malicious to benign or from blocked to allowed states. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to manipulate the execution flow of the security system itself, turning the very mechanisms designed to protect the system into tools for exploitation. This type of attack operates at the intersection of kernel security and race condition exploitation, making it particularly challenging to detect and prevent through traditional signature-based detection methods.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple bypass of security controls, as it fundamentally compromises the trust model of the security suite. When a local user can exploit this race condition, they gain the ability to execute code that would normally be blocked by the kernel-mode hook handlers, yet remains undetected by signature-based malware detection systems. This creates a sophisticated attack vector where the attacker can perform malicious activities that would otherwise be prevented by the security suite's proactive protection mechanisms. The vulnerability essentially allows for the execution of dangerous code that bypasses both behavioral monitoring and signature detection, creating a stealthy attack method that can evade traditional endpoint protection measures. The implications are severe for enterprise environments where Avira Premium Security Suite is deployed, as this vulnerability could allow attackers to maintain persistence and execute malicious payloads without detection.
The disputed nature of this vulnerability stems from the fact that it represents a flaw in the protection mechanism for scenarios where a crafted program has already begun to execute, rather than a vulnerability in the initial execution phase. This classification places the issue within the domain of advanced persistent threat techniques where attackers have already established a foothold and are attempting to evade detection. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and evasion, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code in kernel space while bypassing system call monitoring. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-362, which describes race conditions in security-critical code sections, and represents a critical flaw in the design of kernel-mode protection mechanisms. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader threat landscape where attackers leverage timing-based exploits to circumvent security controls, making it essential for security teams to implement additional monitoring and detection measures beyond traditional signature-based approaches. The issue underscores the importance of proper synchronization mechanisms in kernel-mode code and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of protection mechanisms under realistic threat scenarios.