CVE-2015-8841 in NOD32
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the Archive support module in ESET NOD32 before update 11861 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a large number of languages in an EPOC installation file of type SIS_FILE_MULTILANG.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8841 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the Archive support module of ESET NOD32 antivirus software. This flaw exists in versions prior to update 11861 and specifically affects the handling of EPOC installation files with the SIS_FILE_MULTILANG file type. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management when processing multiple language entries within these installation packages, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overflow allocated heap memory buffers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of improper bounds checking during the parsing of multilingual installation files. When ESET NOD32 processes an SIS_FILE_MULTILANG package containing an excessive number of language entries, the software fails to properly validate the size of the language data structure before allocating memory on the heap. This allows an attacker to craft a malicious SIS file with an excessive number of language specifications that exceed the allocated buffer boundaries, resulting in memory corruption that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant threat to endpoint security as it enables remote code execution without requiring user interaction or elevated privileges. Attackers can deliver malicious SIS files through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites, making the exploitation relatively straightforward. The heap overflow condition creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate program execution flow, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and CWE-121 for stack-based buffer overflow, though the specific implementation targets heap memory management rather than stack-based structures.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities as it undermines the fundamental security assumptions of the antivirus software itself. Since ESET NOD32 is designed to protect against malware and malicious code, exploiting a vulnerability within its own codebase creates a particularly dangerous scenario where the security solution becomes a vector for attack rather than a protective barrier. Organizations running affected versions of ESET NOD32 are exposed to potential full system compromise, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to target systems, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where multiple endpoints may be running vulnerable software versions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-8841 primarily focus on immediate software updates to ESET NOD32 version 11861 or later, which includes proper input validation and memory management fixes for the Archive support module. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all endpoints are updated promptly. Additional defensive measures include network-based filtering of suspicious SIS files, implementation of application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of potentially malicious installation packages, and enhanced monitoring for unusual file processing activities. Security teams should also consider deploying network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation and maintain detailed logs of file processing activities for forensic analysis purposes. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management in security software and highlights the necessity of regular security updates to address emerging threats in antivirus and endpoint protection solutions.