CVE-2012-1439 in Panda
Summary
by MITRE
The ELF file parser in eSafe 7.0.17.0, Rising Antivirus 22.83.00.03, Fortinet Antivirus 4.2.254.0, and Panda Antivirus 10.0.2.7 allows remote attackers to bypass malware detection via an ELF file with a modified padding field. NOTE: this may later be SPLIT into multiple CVEs if additional information is published showing that the error occurred independently in different ELF parser implementations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-1439 represents a critical flaw in multiple antivirus solutions' ELF file parsing capabilities, specifically targeting the way these security tools handle executable linkable format files commonly used in unix-like operating systems. This issue affects prominent antivirus vendors including eSafe, Rising, Fortinet, and Panda, indicating a widespread problem in how these security products interpret and validate ELF file structures. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of the padding field within ELF file headers, which creates a potential bypass mechanism for malicious actors seeking to evade detection. The flaw operates at the core parsing layer of these antivirus solutions, where the software's ability to accurately identify and classify executable files becomes compromised.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the specific structure of ELF files where padding fields are used to align data sections properly. When antivirus software parses these files, it relies on accurate interpretation of header fields including the padding values that define the alignment requirements for various sections of the executable. The modified padding field in malicious ELF files can cause these antivirus solutions to misinterpret the file structure, leading to incorrect classification or complete failure to detect malicious content. This parsing error creates a window of opportunity for attackers to craft ELF malware that appears benign to the antivirus engines while containing actual malicious payloads. The vulnerability specifically targets the validation logic within the ELF parser component, which is responsible for examining file headers and determining whether a file represents a legitimate executable or a potential threat.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual system compromises to potentially affect entire enterprise security infrastructures that rely on these antivirus solutions for malware detection and prevention. Organizations using affected versions of these security products face significant risk as attackers can now craft ELF-based malware that bypasses critical security controls designed to prevent infection. The implications are particularly severe in environments where Linux-based systems are prevalent, as ELF files represent the standard executable format for these operating systems. This vulnerability undermines the fundamental trust in antivirus detection capabilities, as it demonstrates that even well-established security solutions can be circumvented through careful manipulation of file format structures. The potential for widespread exploitation increases when considering that multiple vendors share similar parsing implementations, suggesting that the underlying architectural flaw may be more prevalent than initially identified.
Security mitigations for CVE-2012-1439 require immediate patching of affected antivirus solutions and implementation of additional detection measures to compensate for the parsing flaw. Organizations should prioritize updating their antivirus definitions and software versions to address the specific ELF parsing vulnerability. The remediation process involves vendor-specific patches that correct the handling of padding fields in ELF file structures, ensuring that the parsers properly validate all header components regardless of modifications. Additionally, system administrators should implement layered security approaches including behavioral analysis, network monitoring, and file integrity checking to detect potential exploitation attempts. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of input boundaries, and may be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution through command and scripting interpreter. Organizations should also consider implementing file reputation systems and sandboxing techniques to provide alternative detection mechanisms when traditional signature-based approaches fail due to the padding field manipulation exploit.