CVE-2010-5168 in Norton Internet Security 2010
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** Race condition in Symantec Norton Internet Security 2010 17.5.0.127 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-2010-5168 represents a significant race condition within Symantec Norton Internet Security 2010 version 17.5.0.127 on Windows XP systems. This flaw exists within the kernel-mode hook handler mechanism that forms a critical component of the security software's protection framework. The race condition occurs during the execution of kernel-mode hooks, creating a temporary window where the security system's defensive mechanisms become temporarily ineffective. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows local attackers to manipulate the execution flow of the security software itself, effectively undermining the very protection it was designed to provide.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves a sophisticated argument-switch attack pattern that leverages the timing window created by the race condition. During the execution of kernel-mode hook handlers, an attacker can manipulate user-space memory contents to alter the behavior of the security software's defensive mechanisms. This technique falls under the category of kernel-mode hook bypass attacks and is classified as a KHOBE (Kernel Hook Obfuscation and Exploitation) attack. The vulnerability specifically targets the synchronization mechanisms within the security software's kernel components, where the race condition allows malicious code to execute in a state where normal signature-based malware detection would have otherwise blocked it.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to systems running the affected Symantec Norton Internet Security version, particularly in enterprise environments where such security software is widely deployed. The local privilege escalation aspect means that an attacker with limited user access could potentially bypass the kernel-mode protections that are supposed to prevent malicious code execution. This creates a dangerous scenario where the security software itself becomes a vector for attack rather than a protective barrier. The attack requires the target system to be running the vulnerable version of Norton Internet Security and must be exploitable through local user access, making it particularly relevant in environments where users have elevated privileges or where privilege escalation opportunities exist.
The impact of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-362, which describes race conditions in security-critical code paths, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1055 for kernel injection and T1070 for indicator removal. The vulnerability demonstrates how protection mechanisms can become attack vectors themselves when proper synchronization and validation controls are absent. Organizations should consider this issue as part of a broader threat landscape where security software itself may be targeted by sophisticated attackers. The disputed nature of this vulnerability stems from the argument that it only affects scenarios where malicious code has already begun execution, but security experts generally agree that any bypass of kernel-mode protections represents a critical flaw that should be addressed regardless of the execution context.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected Symantec Norton Internet Security version, along with implementation of additional monitoring and detection capabilities for anomalous kernel-mode behavior. System administrators should ensure that all security software components are kept current with the latest patches and updates from vendors. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper synchronization mechanisms in kernel-mode code and serves as a reminder that security software must be hardened against attacks that target their own protective mechanisms. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify other potential race conditions in their security infrastructure and implement proper code review processes that specifically examine synchronization and timing issues in critical security components.