CVE-2010-5176 in Security Shield 2010
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** Race condition in Security Shield 2010 13.0.16.313 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 • 08/16/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-5176 represents a significant race condition within the Security Shield 2010 security solution version 13.0.16.313 running on Windows XP systems. This flaw exists within the kernel-mode hook handler mechanism that is designed to monitor and control system calls and potentially malicious activities at the kernel level. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows local attackers to exploit a timing gap in the security system's execution flow, effectively bypassing protections that should normally prevent dangerous code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves a sophisticated race condition attack where an attacker manipulates user-space memory during the execution of kernel-mode hook handlers. This creates a window of opportunity where the security system's protective mechanisms can be circumvented through what is known as an argument-switch attack or KHOBE (Kernel Hook Obfuscation and Evasion) attack. The flaw occurs when the security shield's hook handlers are in the process of executing, and malicious code can manipulate memory locations to alter the arguments being passed to these handlers, effectively changing the behavior of the security system itself.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the layered security approach that relies on kernel-mode protections. The attack vector specifically targets local users, meaning that an attacker must already have user-level access to the system, but the impact is severe as it allows bypassing kernel-level security controls that would normally prevent malicious activities from executing. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can allow execution of code that would normally be blocked by the hook handlers but remains undetected by signature-based malware detection systems, creating a stealthy attack vector that can evade traditional security measures.
The implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the trust model of kernel-mode security systems. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code that would otherwise be prevented by the security shield's hook handlers, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack requires careful timing and memory manipulation, making it a sophisticated technique that demonstrates advanced understanding of Windows kernel internals and security mechanisms. This vulnerability type aligns with CWE-362, which describes race conditions that can lead to security vulnerabilities, and maps to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and evasion of security controls. The disputed nature of this vulnerability stems from the argument that it represents a flaw in protection mechanisms for scenarios where malicious code has already begun execution, suggesting that the vulnerability exists in the response mechanism rather than as an initial entry point. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader security assessment, particularly focusing on the integrity of kernel-mode protections and the potential for argument-switching attacks in security systems. The vulnerability underscores the importance of robust kernel security implementations and proper synchronization mechanisms to prevent timing-based exploits that can bypass traditional security controls.