CVE-2013-6767 in AntiVirus Pro
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in pepoly.dll in Quick Heal AntiVirus Pro 7.0.0.1 allows local users to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (process crash) via a long *.text value in a PE file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6767 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the pepoly.dll component of Quick Heal AntiVirus Pro version 7.0.0.1. This issue arises from insufficient input validation when processing maliciously crafted portable executable files, specifically those containing excessively long *.text value fields. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the antivirus scanning engine, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by local attackers who possess the ability to execute code within the target system. The flaw stems from improper bounds checking mechanisms that fail to validate the length of the text section data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer, creating a classic buffer overflow condition that can be leveraged for privilege escalation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows established patterns consistent with stack-based buffer overflow attacks and aligns with CWE-121, which describes the condition where a program writes data to a buffer that is insufficiently sized to hold the data being written. The attack vector involves crafting a malicious PE file with an extended *.text value that exceeds the allocated stack buffer space, typically resulting in memory corruption that can be manipulated to overwrite return addresses and function pointers. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the context of a security application, meaning that successful exploitation could allow an attacker to bypass the very protection mechanisms designed to prevent malicious code execution. The vulnerability also presents a dual threat as it can be used for both arbitrary code execution and denial of service attacks, making it a versatile weapon in an attacker's arsenal.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-6767 extends beyond simple system compromise, as it represents a fundamental flaw in the antivirus software's ability to safely process untrusted input. When exploited, this vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, as the attacker gains the ability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the antivirus service account, which typically runs with elevated system permissions. The denial of service aspect of this vulnerability means that legitimate antivirus functionality can be disrupted, potentially leaving systems unprotected during the period of exploitation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and execution through legitimate system processes, specifically T1055 for process injection and T1068 for bypassing system protection mechanisms. The vulnerability also demonstrates the principle of least privilege violation, as the antivirus software itself becomes a vector for code execution rather than a protective barrier.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected Quick Heal AntiVirus Pro 7.0.0.1 software to address the buffer overflow condition through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring for suspicious file processing activities and ensure that antivirus software is regularly updated to address known vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and privilege separation techniques can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, while regular security assessments should verify that no other similar vulnerabilities exist within the antivirus ecosystem. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input sanitization and memory safety practices in security software development, as the same principles that protect against buffer overflows in general applications should be applied to security tools that process potentially malicious content. Organizations should consider implementing additional layers of protection, such as application whitelisting and behavioral monitoring, to detect and prevent exploitation attempts even when traditional security controls fail.