CVE-2010-5160 in Smart Security
Summary
by MITRE
Race condition in ESET Smart Security 4.2.35.3 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-2010-5160 represents a critical race condition within ESET Smart Security version 4.2.35.3 that affects Windows XP systems. This flaw operates at the kernel level and specifically targets the protection mechanisms designed to prevent malicious code execution by hooking into system calls and monitoring suspicious activities. 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 technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a timing issue where local users can manipulate user-space memory contents while kernel-mode hook handlers are actively processing system calls. This creates what is known as an argument-switch attack or KHOBE (Kernel Hook Override By Exploitation) attack pattern. During the brief period when the hook handler is executing, an attacker can modify memory locations that contain arguments or data structures that the hook handler will subsequently process, effectively bypassing the intended security controls. The vulnerability specifically leverages the timing gap between when a hook handler begins execution and when it completes its processing, allowing malicious code to be injected or modified in a way that circumvents the normal detection mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows attackers to execute dangerous code that would normally be blocked by the kernel-mode hook handlers but remains undetected by signature-based malware detection systems. This creates a sophisticated attack vector that can bypass multiple layers of security protection simultaneously. The attack is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level, providing attackers with elevated privileges and access to system resources that would otherwise be protected. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor that allows malicious code to execute with the same privileges as legitimate system processes, potentially enabling full system compromise.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-367, which describes the weakness of time-of-check to time-of-use (TOCTOU) race conditions, and relates to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and defense evasion. The attack methodology represents a sophisticated approach to bypassing endpoint protection systems, as it specifically targets the mechanisms designed to prevent such bypasses. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of ESET Smart Security, applying the latest Windows XP service packs, and implementing additional monitoring for suspicious memory modifications. System administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary kernel-mode hooks when possible and maintain comprehensive logging of system call activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. The disputed nature of this vulnerability by third parties highlights the complexity of assessing protection mechanism flaws, as it requires careful consideration of whether the attack scenario represents a legitimate security gap or an overreach of existing protections.