CVE-2015-8990 in Advanced Threat Defense
Summary
by MITRE
Detection bypass vulnerability in Intel Security Advanced Threat Defense (ATD) 3.4.6 and earlier allows malware samples to bypass ATD detection via renaming the malware.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8990 represents a critical detection bypass flaw within Intel Security Advanced Threat Defense version 3.4.6 and earlier implementations. This weakness specifically targets the malware analysis and detection mechanisms of the ATD platform, which is designed to identify and neutralize sophisticated cyber threats through advanced behavioral analysis and sandboxing techniques. The vulnerability stems from insufficient file name validation and pattern recognition within the system's detection algorithms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to evade automated threat identification processes.
The technical flaw manifests when malware samples are renamed prior to analysis, allowing them to circumvent the ATD system's signature-based detection methods. This occurs because the platform's detection logic relies heavily on file naming conventions and static characteristics rather than comprehensive behavioral analysis or heuristic evaluation. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under CWE-20, "Improper Input Validation," as the system fails to properly validate or sanitize file names and attributes before processing. This weakness directly impacts the integrity of the threat detection pipeline, enabling adversaries to manipulate the system's perception of malicious files through simple renaming operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond mere technical bypass capabilities, creating significant security risks for organizations relying on ATD for threat prevention. Attackers can exploit this flaw by simply renaming malicious files to appear benign or by using common naming patterns that the system does not adequately monitor. This bypass capability undermines the fundamental premise of sandbox-based threat detection, as the renamed malware can execute undetected within the analysis environment, potentially leading to successful infiltration of protected networks. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1036.005, "Match Legitimate Name or Location," which describes how adversaries modify file names to evade detection systems, and T1059.001, "Command and Scripting Interpreter," as it enables persistence and execution of malicious code through altered file attributes.
Organizations utilizing Intel Security ATD should implement immediate mitigations including updating to version 3.4.7 or later, which addresses the detection bypass vulnerability through enhanced file attribute validation and improved pattern recognition algorithms. Additional protective measures include implementing network-level monitoring to detect anomalous file renaming activities, deploying complementary security solutions that provide multi-layered threat detection, and establishing enhanced logging and alerting mechanisms to identify potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to ensure proper configuration of the ATD system and implement strict file handling policies that prevent unauthorized renaming of suspicious files. The mitigation strategy should align with NIST SP 800-53 security controls, particularly those related to system and information integrity, to maintain robust defense-in-depth measures against similar vulnerabilities that may arise from inadequate input validation and pattern recognition systems.