CVE-2012-1451 in Virus Utilities T3 Command Line Scanner
Summary
by MITRE
The CAB file parser in Emsisoft Anti-Malware 5.1.0.1 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 reserved2 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.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1451 represents a critical flaw in the CAB file parsing functionality of two security applications: Emsisoft Anti-Malware version 5.1.0.1 and Ikarus Virus Utilities T3 Command Line Scanner version 1.1.97.0. This issue stems from improper validation of the reserved2 field within CAB archive files, which are commonly used for software distribution and data compression. The flaw allows malicious actors to craft specially modified CAB files that can evade detection mechanisms, effectively bypassing the intended security protections of these antivirus solutions. The vulnerability specifically targets the parsing logic that processes CAB file headers and metadata, where the reserved2 field contains unused bytes that should typically remain unchanged during normal operation. When this field is modified by attackers, it triggers a parsing anomaly that causes the security software to either misinterpret the file structure or completely ignore potential threats contained within the archive. This weakness directly impacts the core functionality of these security tools and represents a significant bypass of their intended malware detection capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves manipulation of the CAB file format structure, specifically targeting the reserved2 field located within the CAB file header. According to CWE-125, this represents an out-of-bounds read vulnerability where the parser fails to properly validate the contents of reserved fields that are expected to contain specific values or remain unchanged. The flaw operates at the file format parsing layer, where the security applications attempt to process CAB archives without adequate validation of header fields that should maintain consistent values. When the reserved2 field contains unexpected data, the parsing routine either fails to properly identify malicious content or misclassifies the archive structure, leading to a false sense of security. This issue demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the importance of strict format compliance checking in security software. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely through the delivery of malicious CAB files, which can be distributed via email attachments, web downloads, or other attack vectors that leverage the CAB file format for distribution.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-1451 extends beyond simple malware evasion to potentially compromise entire security infrastructures that rely on these specific antivirus tools. Security administrators who deploy these vulnerable applications face the risk of undetected malware infections, as the targeted software fails to properly scan or flag malicious content within CAB archives. This vulnerability creates a false positive scenario where legitimate threats are not identified, allowing malware to execute undetected within compromised systems. The implications are particularly severe for enterprise environments where these tools are used as primary security controls, as the bypass can lead to widespread infection and data compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deliver malicious payloads through seemingly benign CAB files, which are commonly used for software updates, patches, and legitimate distribution channels. The vulnerability also demonstrates how security tools themselves can become attack vectors when they fail to properly validate input formats, creating a paradox where protective software becomes a weakness in the security posture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1451 require immediate remediation actions including updating to patched versions of Emsisoft Anti-Malware and Ikarus Virus Utilities T3 Command Line Scanner. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all security applications are running the latest versions that address this parsing vulnerability. Network administrators should consider implementing additional detection measures such as network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious CAB file patterns and behaviors, as well as endpoint detection and response solutions that can monitor for anomalous file processing activities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1070 Indicator Removal on Host, as attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious code while avoiding traditional detection mechanisms. Security teams should also consider implementing file type validation and content inspection policies that go beyond simple signature matching, incorporating behavioral analysis and heuristic scanning to identify potentially malicious CAB files regardless of their header modifications. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated security software versions that may be susceptible to similar parsing vulnerabilities in other components of the security stack.