CVE-2012-1449 in Rising
Summary
by MITRE
The CAB file parser in NOD32 Antivirus 5795 and Rising Antivirus 22.83.00.03 allows remote attackers to bypass malware detection via a CAB file with a modified vMajor 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 • 02/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1449 represents a critical flaw in the CAB file parsing functionality of two major antivirus solutions, specifically NOD32 Antivirus version 5795 and Rising Antivirus version 22.83.00.03. This issue stems from improper validation of the vMajor field within CAB archive headers, creating a significant bypass opportunity for threat actors seeking to evade detection mechanisms. The vulnerability operates at the core parsing layer of these security products, where the software fails to properly validate the version field in CAB file structures, allowing attackers to manipulate this field to bypass signature-based detection systems. The flaw specifically targets the CAB file format parser, which is commonly used for software distribution and contains metadata that antivirus engines rely upon for threat identification. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-20 as "Improper Input Validation" and demonstrates a clear weakness in the input sanitization process of archive file handling within antivirus software.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a CAB file with a modified vMajor field value that does not conform to expected standards while maintaining the structural integrity of the archive. When the affected antivirus software processes this manipulated CAB file, the parser incorrectly interprets the modified version field, leading to improper threat classification and potential bypass of malware detection mechanisms. The attack vector is remote, as the malicious CAB file can be delivered through various means including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious software distribution channels. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic' and T1027 for 'Obfuscated Files or Information' as attackers may combine this technique with other obfuscation methods. The impact is particularly severe because it directly undermines the core functionality of antivirus protection, allowing malicious payloads to be silently extracted and executed without triggering security alerts.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-1449 extends beyond simple detection bypass, as it represents a fundamental flaw in the trust model of antivirus software. When an antivirus solution fails to properly validate file format headers, it creates a potential attack surface where threat actors can craft specific payloads that will evade security controls designed to protect against known malware families. This vulnerability affects not only the immediate detection capabilities but also the integrity of the entire security ecosystem, as compromised systems may not alert administrators to the presence of malicious code. The flaw demonstrates poor implementation of input validation controls and highlights the critical importance of robust file format parsing within security software. Organizations using affected versions of NOD32 and Rising Antivirus would experience reduced protection levels, potentially allowing sophisticated malware to establish persistence within their environments. The vulnerability also impacts the security industry's broader approach to threat detection, as it shows how seemingly minor implementation details in file parsing can have major security consequences.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1449 require immediate patching of affected antivirus software versions, with vendors releasing updated parsers that properly validate CAB file headers. System administrators should implement additional layers of protection including network-based detection systems, behavioral monitoring, and file integrity checking mechanisms. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security software and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that do not rely solely on signature-based detection methods. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect anomalous file extraction activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, security teams should perform regular vulnerability assessments of their endpoint protection solutions to identify similar parsing flaws in other security software components. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical need for comprehensive input validation and proper error handling in security software, particularly in components that process untrusted file formats. This vulnerability demonstrates why security controls must be designed with the assumption that attackers will attempt to exploit implementation weaknesses in security software rather than relying solely on the presence of security measures.