CVE-2012-0295 in Endpoint Protection
Summary
by MITRE
The Manager service in the management console in Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP) 12.1 before 12.1 RU1-MP1 allows remote attackers to conduct file-insertion attacks and execute arbitrary code by leveraging exploitation of CVE-2012-0294.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0295 represents a critical security flaw within Symantec Endpoint Protection 12.1 before 12.1 RU1-MP1 management console. This issue specifically targets the Manager service component that operates within the web-based management interface of the endpoint protection solution. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the management console's file handling processes, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the system through carefully crafted file insertion techniques.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2012-0295 leverages a pre-existing vulnerability CVE-2012-0294 as a primary attack vector, demonstrating how weaknesses in one component can cascade into more severe security breaches within the broader system architecture. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious files into the system through the Manager service, bypassing normal security controls and authentication mechanisms. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-20 category, specifically addressing "Improper Input Validation" and represents a classic example of how inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data can lead to arbitrary code execution. The attack methodology typically involves crafting specially formatted files or requests that are processed by the Manager service, ultimately allowing the attacker to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected service account.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0295 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the network infrastructure protected by Symantec Endpoint Protection. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and lateral movement throughout the network. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Symantec's management console for centralized endpoint protection management, potentially exposing critical assets to unauthorized access and control. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1078.004 for "Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts" when considering the potential for privilege escalation and lateral movement. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter, making it particularly dangerous for organizations without proper network segmentation and monitoring controls.
Organizations affected by CVE-2012-0295 should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-supplied patch for Symantec Endpoint Protection 12.1 RU1-MP1, which addresses both CVE-2012-0294 and CVE-2012-0295. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls such as restricting remote access to the management console, implementing strict firewall rules, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file insertion activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the dangers of relying on legacy software versions that may contain unpatched security flaws. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and establish robust monitoring procedures for anomalous file handling activities within their endpoint protection management infrastructure.