CVE-2012-1432 in Panda
Summary
by MITRE
The Microsoft EXE file parser in Emsisoft Anti-Malware 5.1.0.1, eSafe 7.0.17.0, Ikarus Virus Utilities T3 Command Line Scanner 1.1.97.0, and Panda Antivirus 10.0.2.7 allows remote attackers to bypass malware detection via an EXE file with a \57\69\6E\5A\69\70 character sequence at a certain location. NOTE: this may later be SPLIT into multiple CVEs if additional information is published showing that the error occurred independently in different EXE parser implementations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-1432 represents a critical flaw in multiple antivirus software implementations that affects the parsing of executable files. This issue specifically targets the EXE file parser component within several security applications including Emsisoft Anti-Malware 5.1.0.1, eSafe 7.0.17.0, Ikarus Virus Utilities T3 Command Line Scanner 1.1.97.0, and Panda Antivirus 10.0.2.7. The vulnerability stems from an improper handling of specific character sequences within EXE file structures, creating a bypass mechanism that allows malicious code to evade detection.
The technical flaw manifests when an EXE file contains the character sequence \57\69\6E\5A\69\70, which translates to the string "WINZIP" in hexadecimal notation. This particular sequence, when positioned at a specific location within the EXE file structure, causes the affected antivirus parsers to misinterpret the file's content and fail to properly analyze its malicious components. The vulnerability operates at the file parsing layer, where the software's EXE parser fails to correctly identify and process the file format, leading to an incomplete or incorrect malware analysis. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of input boundaries, and more specifically relates to improper handling of file format parsing within security software.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it directly undermines the core functionality of antivirus protection systems. Attackers can exploit this weakness by embedding the specific character sequence in malicious executables, thereby bypassing detection mechanisms that would normally identify and quarantine such threats. This creates a false sense of security for users while their systems remain vulnerable to malware infections. The vulnerability affects not just individual products but represents a systemic issue in how multiple antivirus vendors implemented EXE parsing logic, suggesting that similar flaws may exist in other implementations. The potential for widespread exploitation increases as attackers can craft malware that specifically targets this parsing weakness, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple security products may be in use.
The security implications extend beyond simple detection bypass to include potential privilege escalation and system compromise. When antivirus software fails to properly analyze executable files, it creates opportunities for attackers to execute malicious code without triggering security alerts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter, as the bypassed detection allows for execution of malicious payloads that would normally be blocked. Organizations using affected versions of these antivirus products face increased risk of successful malware deployment, as the security controls designed to prevent such attacks become ineffective. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and robust file format parsing within security software, as inadequate handling of edge cases can create security holes that adversaries can exploit. The fact that this vulnerability affects multiple vendors suggests a common implementation pattern that may indicate broader industry issues with EXE file parsing standards and best practices.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected software versions, implementation of additional detection layers beyond traditional antivirus signatures, and regular security assessments of security tool implementations. Organizations should also consider deploying multiple security controls that can detect malicious activity regardless of specific antivirus detection failures. The vulnerability highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of parsing components and proper handling of file format edge cases in security software implementations.