CVE-2012-1422 in Rising
Summary
by MITRE
The TAR file parser in Quick Heal (aka Cat QuickHeal) 11.00, NOD32 Antivirus 5795, Norman Antivirus 6.06.12, and Rising Antivirus 22.83.00.03 allows remote attackers to bypass malware detection via a POSIX TAR file with an initial ITSF character sequence. NOTE: this may later be SPLIT into multiple CVEs if additional information is published showing that the error occurred independently in different TAR parser implementations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-1422 represents a critical flaw in multiple antivirus software implementations that process TAR archive files. This issue specifically affects Quick Heal version 11.00, NOD32 Antivirus version 5795, Norman Antivirus version 6.06.12, and Rising Antivirus version 22.83.00.03, all of which utilize flawed TAR file parsers that fail to properly validate the initial character sequence of POSIX TAR files. The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of the ITSF (IEEE Standard 1284) character sequence that appears at the beginning of certain TAR archives, which should trigger specific validation routines but instead allows malicious content to bypass detection mechanisms entirely.
The technical implementation flaw lies in how these antivirus solutions interpret the TAR file format specification, particularly the initial bytes that should indicate a valid POSIX TAR archive structure. When an attacker crafts a TAR file with an initial ITSF character sequence, the vulnerable parsers fail to properly identify this as a potential threat vector, allowing the malicious payload to be extracted and executed without proper scanning. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the antivirus engine's file format recognition capabilities, where the parser does not properly validate the file header structure according to the POSIX standard specification. The vulnerability can be classified under CWE-129, which deals with insufficient validation of the length or size of input data, and more specifically aligns with CWE-128, which addresses improper validation of input data in the context of file format parsing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple malware detection bypass, as it represents a complete failure in the antivirus software's ability to properly scan and analyze archive files that follow the POSIX TAR format specification. Attackers can exploit this weakness by creating malicious TAR archives that appear legitimate to the antivirus scanners, potentially allowing malware to be silently installed on systems without detection. This vulnerability directly impacts the core security posture of affected systems, as it enables persistent threat actors to bypass endpoint protection mechanisms that should prevent the execution of malicious code. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates at the file parsing layer, meaning that even if other security controls are in place, the malware can still be executed through the bypassed TAR file processing.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the use of script-based execution, and T1204.002, which covers the use of legitimate user utilities for execution. The vulnerability allows threat actors to leverage the trusted TAR file format to deliver malicious payloads, effectively using the antivirus software itself as a vector for bypassing security controls. Organizations using the affected antivirus versions face significant risk exposure, as this flaw can be exploited remotely through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or file transfer protocols. The potential for lateral movement and persistent access increases significantly when this vulnerability is exploited, as the malicious code can be executed without the normal detection mechanisms that would typically identify such threats. Mitigation efforts should focus on immediate patching of affected software versions, implementation of network-based file scanning controls, and enhanced monitoring for suspicious TAR file activity.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of proper file format validation in security software implementations. This issue demonstrates how seemingly minor parsing errors in standard file formats can create significant security weaknesses that allow attackers to circumvent fundamental protection mechanisms. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that security software must maintain strict adherence to established file format standards and implement comprehensive validation routines that account for all possible variations in file structures. The potential for this vulnerability to be split into multiple CVEs reflects the complexity of the underlying issue and the need for separate identification of different parser implementations that may exhibit similar weaknesses. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their endpoint protection solutions and implement layered security controls to mitigate the risk of similar parsing vulnerabilities in other security software components.