CVE-2015-8578 in Internet Security
Summary
by MITRE
AVG Internet Security 2015 allocates memory with Read, Write, Execute (RWX) permissions at predictable addresses when protecting user-mode processes, which allows attackers to bypass the DEP and ASLR protection mechanisms via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8578 represents a critical memory management flaw within AVG Internet Security 2015 that fundamentally undermines modern exploit mitigation techniques. This issue arises from the security software's improper handling of memory allocation during the protection of user-mode processes, creating a dangerous condition where executable memory pages are allocated with read, write, and execute permissions simultaneously. The predictable memory addresses used for these allocations directly compromise the effectiveness of address space layout randomization, a core defense mechanism designed to prevent attackers from reliably locating code execution points in memory.
The technical flaw stems from the software's implementation of memory protection routines that fail to properly enforce memory access controls. When AVG Internet Security 2015 allocates memory with RWX permissions, it creates an environment where malicious code can be injected and executed without triggering the operating system's data execution prevention mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically targets the interaction between the security software and the underlying operating system's memory management subsystem, allowing attackers to bypass these protections through unspecified vectors that leverage the predictable memory layout. The combination of DEP bypass and ASLR circumvention creates a particularly dangerous exploit scenario where attackers can reliably execute arbitrary code within protected processes.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to enterprise environments where AVG Internet Security 2015 is deployed, as it effectively neutralizes the security software's own protective capabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to escalate privileges, inject malicious payloads, or execute code within the context of protected processes, potentially leading to full system compromise. The predictable nature of the memory addresses makes exploitation more reliable and accessible to attackers with limited expertise, as they can craft exploits that do not require complex memory layout discovery techniques. This vulnerability essentially transforms the security software from a protective barrier into a potential attack vector, undermining the fundamental trust placed in endpoint protection solutions.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including immediate patching of AVG Internet Security 2015 to the latest available version that addresses this memory allocation vulnerability. System administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring for suspicious memory allocation patterns and unusual process behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which addresses improper restriction of operations within a memory buffer, and maps to attack patterns in the MITRE ATT&CK framework related to privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques. Network segmentation and process monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts, while security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify systems running the vulnerable software version and ensure prompt remediation across all endpoints.