CVE-2015-8992 in Security WebAdvisor
Summary
by MITRE
Malicious file execution vulnerability in Intel Security WebAdvisor before 4.0.2, 4.0.1 and 3.7.2 allows attackers to make the product momentarily vulnerable via executing preexisting specifically crafted malware during installation or uninstallation, but not during normal operation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8992 represents a critical security flaw in Intel Security WebAdvisor software versions prior to 4.0.2, 4.0.1, and 3.7.2. This weakness specifically targets the installation and uninstallation processes of the security product, creating a temporal window where malicious actors can exploit the system to execute crafted malware. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that leverages the trust relationship between the security software and the operating system during these critical phases of software lifecycle management. The flaw manifests as a privilege escalation opportunity that allows attackers to bypass normal security controls that would otherwise prevent unauthorized code execution.
Technical analysis reveals that this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation mechanisms during the software installation and uninstallation sequences. The flaw allows for the execution of malicious payloads that can be preconfigured to exploit the temporary security gap present in the WebAdvisor application. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-787, representing an out-of-bounds write condition that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability exists because the software does not properly validate or sanitize file operations during these specific processes, creating an environment where attackers can inject malicious code that executes with elevated privileges. The attack requires careful crafting of malware specifically designed to exploit the temporal window between when the installation or uninstallation process begins and when the security protections are fully re-established.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple malware execution, as it represents a fundamental flaw in how the security product manages its own lifecycle processes. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain persistent access to systems, potentially leading to complete compromise of the affected endpoints. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates during installation or uninstallation phases when users may not be actively monitoring the system, and the security software itself is temporarily weakened. This creates an attack surface that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries can execute malicious code through legitimate system processes. The temporal nature of the vulnerability means that traditional runtime protections may not detect or prevent the malicious execution, as the attack occurs outside normal operational boundaries.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-8992 require immediate patching of affected Intel Security WebAdvisor versions to 4.0.2, 4.0.1, or 3.7.2, as these releases contain the necessary fixes to address the validation and sanitization issues. Organizations should implement strict software update policies that prioritize security patches, particularly for security tools that manage system-level processes. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual installation or uninstallation activities, as these events may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing application control measures that restrict execution of unknown binaries during software lifecycle management phases. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation during all phases of software development, including installation and uninstallation processes. System administrators should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other security products and ensure comprehensive protection against similar temporal attack vectors that may exist in other software components.