CVE-2015-8154 in Endpoint Protection
Summary
by MITRE
The SysPlant.sys driver in the Application and Device Control (ADC) component in the client in Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP) 12.1 before RU6-MP4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted HTML document, related to "RWX Permissions."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8154 resides within the SysPlant.sys driver component of Symantec Endpoint Protection's Application and Device Control functionality. This flaw affects SEP versions 12.1 prior to RU6-MP4 and represents a critical security weakness that enables remote code execution through seemingly benign web content. The vulnerability specifically exploits the driver's handling of RWX permissions, which refers to the combination of Read, Write, and eXecute permissions that can be simultaneously applied to memory regions. The attack vector involves a crafted HTML document that, when processed by the vulnerable driver, triggers unauthorized code execution within the system's memory space.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the SysPlant.sys driver, which is responsible for controlling application and device behavior on Windows systems. When a user accesses a malicious HTML document, the driver's insufficient validation of memory permissions allows an attacker to inject executable code into memory regions that have been granted read, write, and execute privileges simultaneously. This configuration creates an exploitable condition where malicious code can be loaded and executed without proper authorization. The vulnerability falls under CWE-119, which addresses improper restriction of operations within a memory buffer, and more specifically relates to CWE-787, which deals with out-of-bounds writes in memory buffers.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to enterprise security environments as it allows remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution capabilities on systems running vulnerable versions of Symantec Endpoint Protection. The attack requires minimal user interaction, typically involving the simple act of viewing a malicious webpage, making it particularly dangerous in corporate environments where users frequently access external content. The exploitation can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, and exfiltrate sensitive data from protected networks. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, and T1068, which addresses exploit for privilege escalation.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual system compromise to potentially affect entire enterprise networks, as Symantec Endpoint Protection is widely deployed across organizations for endpoint protection. Organizations utilizing vulnerable versions of SEP may experience unauthorized access to critical systems, leading to data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to target systems, significantly expanding the potential attack surface. Security teams must consider the broader implications of this vulnerability within their network security posture, as it could enable lateral movement and privilege escalation attacks that bypass traditional security controls. The remediation process requires immediate patching of Symantec Endpoint Protection to versions RU6-MP4 or later, along with comprehensive network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures such as web application firewalls, content filtering, and user behavior analytics to reduce the risk of successful exploitation through crafted web content.