CVE-2011-5118 in Internet Security
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple race conditions in Comodo Internet Security before 5.8.213334.2131 allow local users to bypass the Defense+ feature via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-5118 represents a critical security flaw within Comodo Internet Security software, specifically affecting versions prior to 5.8.213334.2131. This issue stems from multiple race conditions that create exploitable timing windows within the application's defensive mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically targets the Defense+ feature, which serves as a core protective element designed to prevent malicious software from executing on the system. Race conditions occur when multiple processes or threads attempt to access shared resources simultaneously, creating unpredictable behavior that can be exploited by malicious actors. In this case, the local users can manipulate the timing of system operations to circumvent the security protections that should normally be enforced by the software.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of concurrent access to critical system components within Comodo's security framework. When Defense+ is enabled, it should monitor and control application execution to prevent unauthorized or potentially harmful software from running. However, the race conditions present in the software's code allow local attackers to execute malicious code or manipulate system behavior by exploiting the timing discrepancies in how the security module processes requests. This creates a scenario where the security checks can be bypassed before proper validation occurs, effectively rendering the Defense+ protection ineffective. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple attack pathways exist, making the vulnerability particularly concerning as it could be exploited through various methods depending on the system configuration and user behavior.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of systems running affected Comodo Internet Security versions. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can effectively disable critical protection mechanisms, potentially allowing malware to execute without detection or interference from the security software. This creates a dangerous situation where the very tool designed to protect the system becomes a vector for compromise. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where Comodo Internet Security may be deployed across multiple systems, as a single compromised machine could provide attackers with a foothold to expand their access. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor software design practices in handling concurrent operations, which could indicate broader issues within the application's architecture.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of Comodo Internet Security to version 5.8.213334.2131 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the race condition issues. Organizations should also implement additional monitoring to detect unauthorized modifications to security software configurations or unexpected behavior in system processes. Security administrators should consider implementing layered protection approaches that do not rely solely on a single security solution, ensuring that even if one component is compromised, other protections remain effective. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-362, which specifically addresses race conditions in software implementations, and could be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059 for privilege escalation and T1068 for local exploitation. System administrators should also consider disabling the Defense+ feature temporarily while applying patches, though this creates a window of vulnerability that should be minimized. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on concurrent access patterns can help identify similar issues in other security software components.