CVE-2010-5157 in Comodo Internet Security
Summary
by MITRE
Race condition in Comodo Internet Security before 4.1.149672.916 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.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-5157 represents a critical race condition within Comodo Internet Security version 4.1.149672.916 and earlier on Windows XP systems. This flaw exists in the kernel-mode hook handler mechanism that forms a core component of the security software's protection framework. The race condition occurs during the execution of kernel-mode hooks when user-space processes attempt to modify memory structures while the kernel is processing security checks, creating a temporal window where security controls can be circumvented. The vulnerability specifically targets the way Comodo's security software handles kernel-mode hooking, which is designed to monitor and control system calls to prevent malicious activities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a timing issue where local attackers can manipulate memory contents during the execution of kernel-mode hook handlers. This creates an argument-switch attack scenario where the attacker modifies the arguments passed to kernel functions while the hook handler is executing, effectively allowing malicious code to bypass the security controls that would normally block it. The flaw is categorized under CWE-362, which specifically addresses race conditions in security-critical code paths. The attack vector involves user-space processes that can modify memory structures during kernel execution, enabling what security researchers term a KHOBE (Kernel Hook Obfuscation and Evasion) attack pattern that aligns with techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1089 category for system network configuration modification.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows local users to execute dangerous code that would normally be blocked by Comodo's kernel-mode hook handlers but remains undetected by signature-based malware detection mechanisms. This creates a situation where malicious software can bypass multiple layers of security protection simultaneously, rendering the comprehensive security framework ineffective against targeted attacks. The vulnerability essentially provides a pathway for privilege escalation and persistent threat execution, as the malicious code can operate within the kernel space while remaining invisible to traditional signature-based detection systems. This makes the attack particularly dangerous because it can establish backdoors, modify system processes, and potentially escalate privileges without triggering security alerts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of Comodo Internet Security to version 4.1.149672.916 or later, which addresses the race condition in the kernel hook handling mechanism. System administrators should also implement additional monitoring controls to detect anomalous memory modifications during kernel execution periods, as this attack pattern can be identified through behavioral analysis of system calls. The security architecture should be reviewed to ensure proper synchronization mechanisms are in place during kernel-mode operations, implementing memory barriers and atomic operations to prevent the temporal window that enables this attack. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime application control measures and enhanced kernel-mode protection frameworks that can detect and prevent unauthorized memory modifications during security hook execution. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper concurrency control in security-critical code and demonstrates why kernel-mode security mechanisms require rigorous testing for race conditions that could be exploited by local attackers.