CVE-2010-5167 in Security Suite
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** Race condition in Norman Security Suite PRO 8.0 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 • 08/07/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-5167 represents a significant race condition within the kernel-mode hook handlers of Norman Security Suite PRO 8.0 running on Windows XP systems. This flaw operates at the intersection of operating system security mechanisms and application-level protection systems, creating a potential pathway for privilege escalation and code execution that bypasses traditional signature-based malware detection methods. The issue manifests specifically during the execution of kernel-mode hook handlers, which are designed to monitor and intercept system calls to prevent malicious activity. The race condition occurs when user-space processes attempt to modify memory structures while kernel-mode handlers are actively processing, creating a temporal window where security controls can be circumvented. This vulnerability type falls under the CWE-367 weakness category, which specifically addresses time-of-check to time-of-use race conditions that can lead to security bypasses.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple bypass of security controls, as it enables what security researchers categorize as KHOBE (Kernel Hook Obfuscation and Execution) attacks or argument-switch attacks. These techniques exploit the timing gap between when a hook handler validates input parameters and when those parameters are actually used, allowing attackers to manipulate memory contents during this critical window. The attack vector specifically targets local users who have already gained some level of system access, as the vulnerability requires execution context within the operating system to manipulate the hook handler execution flow. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under the T1055 category of Process Injection, where adversaries leverage legitimate system processes to execute malicious code. The attack effectively undermines the layered defense provided by kernel-mode protection mechanisms, as the hook handlers that should prevent dangerous operations are temporarily rendered ineffective due to the race condition.
The disputed nature of this vulnerability stems from the fundamental question of whether such an issue represents a genuine security flaw or merely a limitation of the protection mechanism itself. Critics argue that since the vulnerability requires an attacker to already have some level of program execution capability on the system, it doesn't represent a true entry point but rather a weakness in the post-execution protection system. However, from a security perspective, this type of vulnerability remains concerning because it demonstrates that even systems with sophisticated kernel-mode protection can be compromised through carefully orchestrated timing attacks. The vulnerability's impact is particularly significant in environments where Norman Security Suite PRO 8.0 is deployed, as it could allow attackers to bypass security controls that were specifically designed to prevent malicious code execution. The race condition creates a situation where legitimate security mechanisms can be temporarily disabled or subverted, potentially allowing attackers to execute code that would normally be blocked by the system's security architecture. This type of vulnerability highlights the complexity of modern security systems and the challenges inherent in protecting against sophisticated attacks that exploit timing and execution flow characteristics. The implications extend to the broader field of kernel-mode security, where similar race conditions in other security products could potentially create similar vulnerabilities.