CVE-2010-5181 in VIPRE Antivirus
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** Race condition in VIPRE Antivirus Premium 4.0.3272 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 • 01/21/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-5181 represents a significant race condition within VIPRE Antivirus Premium version 4.0.3272 that affects Windows XP systems. This flaw exists within the kernel-mode hook handler mechanism designed to prevent malicious code execution, creating a critical security gap that allows local attackers to circumvent active protection measures. The vulnerability specifically targets the timing window between user-space memory modifications and kernel-mode hook handler execution, enabling attackers to manipulate the system state during the brief period when protection mechanisms are temporarily disabled.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a classic race condition scenario where an attacker can modify user-space memory contents while kernel-mode hook handlers are actively processing system calls. This creates an argument-switch attack vector where the hook handler operates on modified data, effectively bypassing the intended protection logic. The flaw operates under the category of kernel-mode exploitation techniques that leverage timing discrepancies between different privilege levels, making it particularly dangerous as it targets the core protection mechanisms rather than merely bypassing signature-based detection. This vulnerability falls under CWE-362, which specifically addresses race conditions that can lead to security flaws in concurrent systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows local users to execute arbitrary code that would normally be blocked by kernel-mode hook handlers but remains undetected by traditional signature-based malware detection systems. This creates a sophisticated attack vector where malicious software can evade protection mechanisms that are specifically designed to intercept and block dangerous operations. The attack requires local system access but provides a pathway for privilege escalation and persistent malware installation. The vulnerability's designation as a KHOBE (Kernel Hook Override By Execution) attack demonstrates its sophistication in targeting the fundamental protection architecture of endpoint security solutions.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1055, which covers process injection and hooking techniques, and represents a critical failure in the security architecture where the protection mechanisms themselves become the attack surface. The disputed nature of this vulnerability stems from the argument that it exploits a weakness in protection mechanisms for scenarios where malicious code has already begun executing, rather than a fundamental flaw in the security model. Organizations using vulnerable versions of VIPRE Antivirus should implement immediate mitigations including system hardening, monitoring for unusual memory access patterns, and ensuring that all systems are updated to versions that address this race condition. The vulnerability underscores the importance of robust kernel-mode protection design and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing that includes timing and concurrency scenarios.