CVE-2012-1450 in Sophos
Summary
by MITRE
The CAB file parser in Emsisoft Anti-Malware 5.1.0.1, Sophos Anti-Virus 4.61.0, and Ikarus Virus Utilities T3 Command Line Scanner 1.1.97.0 allows remote attackers to bypass malware detection via a CAB file with a modified reserved3 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 • 04/26/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-1450 represents a critical flaw in the CAB file parsing functionality of multiple anti-malware solutions, including Emsisoft Anti-Malware 5.1.0.1, Sophos Anti-Virus 4.61.0, and Ikarus Virus Utilities T3 Command Line Scanner 1.1.97.0. This issue stems from an insufficient validation mechanism within the CAB file format parser, specifically targeting the reserved3 field that is part of the CAB file header structure. The CAB file format, originally developed by Microsoft, is commonly used for software distribution and contains compressed files with specific metadata fields that define the archive's structure and properties.
The technical flaw manifests when an attacker manipulates the reserved3 field within the CAB file header, which is typically expected to contain specific values or remain unused according to the CAB specification. By modifying this field, malicious actors can cause the affected anti-malware applications to misinterpret the file structure, effectively bypassing the detection mechanisms that rely on proper parsing of CAB archives. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which describes improper validation of input boundaries, and more specifically relates to CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read conditions that can occur when parsing structured data formats. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of inadequate input sanitization where the parser fails to validate that all header fields conform to expected specifications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple bypassing of malware detection, as it represents a fundamental weakness in the core parsing logic of security tools that are designed to protect against such threats. Attackers can leverage this weakness to deliver malicious payloads through CAB files that would otherwise be detected by properly functioning anti-malware solutions. This creates a significant risk for organizations that rely on these specific anti-malware products, as their security posture becomes compromised when encountering CAB files with modified reserved3 fields. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of these security tools, potentially allowing attackers to execute malicious code without triggering alerts, thereby undermining the integrity of the entire anti-malware ecosystem. This weakness can be categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic, as it allows for execution of malicious code through file format manipulation.
The implications of this vulnerability are particularly concerning given that CAB files are commonly used for legitimate software distribution, making it easier for attackers to blend malicious content with benign files. The fact that this vulnerability affects multiple anti-malware vendors suggests a widespread implementation issue within the CAB parsing libraries used across the industry, highlighting the importance of proper input validation and robust parsing mechanisms in security software. Organizations should consider immediate mitigation strategies including updating to patched versions of affected software, implementing additional file validation layers, and monitoring for suspicious CAB file activities. The vulnerability also underscores the need for comprehensive testing of file format parsers in security tools, as failures in parsing can create security gaps that adversaries can exploit to bypass protection mechanisms. This issue exemplifies the critical importance of validating all input data, particularly in security-sensitive applications where malformed input can lead to complete bypass of protection systems.