CVE-2012-4349 in Network Access Control
Summary
by MITRE
Unquoted Windows search path vulnerability in Symantec Network Access Control (SNAC) 12.1 before RU2 allows local users to gain privileges via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4349 represents a critical unquoted search path weakness in Symantec Network Access Control version 12.1 prior to release update two. This flaw resides within the Windows operating system component handling path resolution for executable files, creating a potential privilege escalation vector for local attackers who can manipulate the system's executable search order. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of executable paths during the system's search process, where the operating system fails to properly validate or quote directory paths containing spaces, allowing malicious actors to place crafted executables in locations that would be searched before legitimate system binaries.
This specific weakness aligns with CWE-428, which describes the condition where an application fails to quote or properly escape search paths, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious code. The vulnerability operates under the principle that Windows searches for executables in the order specified by the PATH environment variable, and when directory names contain spaces without proper quotation, the system may interpret these paths incorrectly. Attackers can exploit this by placing malicious executables in directories that appear earlier in the search path, potentially causing the system to execute their code instead of the intended legitimate binaries. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where SNAC is deployed, as local users may gain elevated privileges through this vector.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can be leveraged to establish persistent access within network environments. Attackers can use this weakness to execute malicious code with system-level privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise and lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise settings where SNAC is used for network access control, as it undermines the security posture of the entire system. The attack vector is relatively straightforward for local users to exploit, requiring only the ability to write to directories in the search path, which can be achieved through various means including legitimate administrative access or other initial compromise techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4349 should focus on applying the appropriate Symantec security patches and updates, specifically the RU2 release that addresses this vulnerability. System administrators should also implement proper path quoting practices for all executable files and directories, ensuring that any paths containing spaces are properly quoted to prevent incorrect path resolution. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege and restricting local user access to system directories can significantly reduce the attack surface. Network segmentation and monitoring for unusual executable activity can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and patch management processes, as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting solutions to prevent unauthorized executables from running on the system, providing an additional layer of defense against this class of vulnerabilities.