CVE-2012-1448 in AntiVirus
Summary
by MITRE
The CAB file parser in Quick Heal (aka Cat QuickHeal) 11.00, Trend Micro AntiVirus 9.120.0.1004, Ikarus Virus Utilities T3 Command Line Scanner 1.1.97.0, Trend Micro HouseCall 9.120.0.1004, and Emsisoft Anti-Malware 5.1.0.1 allows remote attackers to bypass malware detection via a CAB file with a modified cbCabinet field. NOTE: this may later be SPLIT into multiple CVEs if additional information is published showing that the error occurred independently in different CAB parser implementations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-1448 represents a critical flaw in the CAB file parsing functionality across multiple antivirus and security software implementations. This issue specifically targets the handling of the cbCabinet field within CAB archive structures, which serves as a crucial metadata element for validating archive integrity and proper parsing behavior. The vulnerability affects well-known security products including Quick Heal 11.00, Trend Micro AntiVirus 9.120.0.1004, Ikarus Virus Utilities T3 Command Line Scanner 1.1.97.0, Trend Micro HouseCall 9.120.0.1004, and Emsisoft Anti-Malware 5.1.0.1, indicating a widespread impact across different security vendors and their respective detection engines.
The technical flaw exploits a weakness in how these security applications parse CAB file headers, specifically the cbCabinet field which should contain the size of the cabinet file header. Attackers can manipulate this field to create CAB files that appear valid to the parser but contain malicious content that bypasses detection mechanisms. This modification allows threat actors to craft malware delivery vectors that can evade signature-based and heuristic detection systems, effectively creating a bypass technique that leverages the parser's failure to properly validate the cabinet file structure. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of improper input validation where the software fails to perform adequate checks on the cbCabinet field before proceeding with file extraction and analysis operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple detection bypass, as it fundamentally undermines the trust model that security applications rely upon for protecting users from malicious content. When attackers can manipulate the cbCabinet field to bypass detection, they gain the ability to deliver malware payloads through seemingly legitimate CAB archives that would otherwise be flagged by security systems. This creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where these security products are deployed, as the vulnerability could allow persistent threat actors to establish footholds through carefully crafted attack vectors. The implications are particularly concerning given that CAB files are commonly used for software distribution and system updates, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to deliver malware through trusted channels.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including updating all affected security products to versions that properly validate CAB file headers and reject malformed archives. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of input boundaries, and represents a specific instance of improper input validation where the software fails to properly validate the cbCabinet field. Organizations should also consider implementing additional network-based detection measures and monitoring for suspicious CAB file activity, particularly in environments where these vulnerable applications are deployed. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique involving evasion through file format manipulation, where adversaries exploit weaknesses in security tool implementations to bypass protective measures. This vulnerability underscores the importance of robust input validation in security tool implementations and highlights the need for comprehensive testing of file parsing functionality against malicious inputs.