CVE-2012-4351 in PGP Whole Disk Encryption
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in pgpwded.sys in Symantec PGP Desktop 10.x and Encryption Desktop 10.3.0 before MP1 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4351 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the pgpwded.sys kernel driver component of Symantec PGP Desktop 10.x and Encryption Desktop 10.3.0 before MP1 versions. This issue resides in the cryptographic protection subsystem that handles password-based encryption operations, specifically affecting the driver responsible for managing encryption key derivation processes. The flaw manifests when the driver processes user-supplied input parameters during password encryption operations, creating a condition where integer arithmetic exceeds the maximum representable value for the data type used in the calculation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the pgpwded.sys driver failing to properly validate input parameters before performing arithmetic operations on integer values used in memory allocation and buffer handling routines. When a local attacker crafts a malicious application that provides specially formatted input data, the driver's processing logic causes integer overflow conditions that can result in unexpected memory layout changes. This overflow condition typically occurs in functions that calculate buffer sizes or memory allocation requirements based on user-provided password lengths or encryption parameters, where the mathematical operation produces a value that wraps around to a much smaller number due to the finite range of integer data types.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized data access. Local users who can execute malicious applications on systems running vulnerable Symantec PGP versions can leverage this flaw to elevate their privileges from standard user level to kernel-level access. This privilege escalation capability enables attackers to bypass the encryption protection mechanisms that should safeguard sensitive data, potentially allowing them to decrypt protected files, modify encryption keys, or access system resources that should remain protected. The vulnerability's local nature means that exploitation requires physical or remote access to the target system, but once exploited, the attacker gains unrestricted access to the system's core encryption functions and underlying operating system resources.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as mapping to CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which specifically addresses conditions where integer arithmetic produces results that exceed the maximum value representable by the data type. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, where adversaries leverage system vulnerabilities to increase their access level. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches, disabling unnecessary encryption services, and monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation activities. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing least privilege principles and regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation vectors, while maintaining detailed audit logs of encryption-related activities that could indicate successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and integer overflow protection in kernel-mode drivers, where such flaws can provide attackers with direct paths to system compromise and data exfiltration.