CVE-2015-8993 in Security CloudAV
Summary
by MITRE
Malicious file execution vulnerability in Intel Security CloudAV (Beta) before 0.5.0.151.3 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-2015-8993 represents a critical security flaw in Intel Security CloudAV Beta versions prior to 0.5.0.151.3 that exposes the system to malicious file execution during specific installation and uninstallation phases. This represents a targeted attack vector that exploits the temporary window of vulnerability that exists when the security product is being modified rather than during its active operational state. The flaw specifically affects the software installation and removal processes, creating a window where malicious actors can execute crafted malware that would otherwise be blocked during normal operation. This vulnerability type aligns with CWE-843, which addresses the use of untrusted inputs in security decisions, as the system fails to properly validate or sanitize file execution during these critical phases. The attack pattern follows the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution, where adversaries leverage the installation process to deploy malicious payloads.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the CloudAV Beta product during its installation and uninstallation workflows. When users initiate these processes, the software does not properly isolate or verify the integrity of files being executed, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious code that can leverage the elevated privileges associated with installation operations. The vulnerability does not manifest during normal product operation, indicating that the core security engine functions correctly when the software is running as intended, but the temporary administrative state during setup processes creates a window of opportunity for exploitation. This behavior demonstrates a classic privilege escalation pattern where the system temporarily lowers its security posture during administrative operations, allowing malicious code to execute with system-level privileges. The flaw essentially creates a false sense of security where the product becomes vulnerable to attack precisely when it should be most protective.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-8993 extends beyond immediate system compromise to potentially enable more sophisticated attack chains that could leverage the elevated privileges gained during installation. Attackers could use this vulnerability to deploy rootkits, backdoors, or additional malware that would persist beyond the initial compromise, as the installation process provides the opportunity to establish long-term access to the system. The temporary nature of the vulnerability means that defenders must maintain heightened awareness during installation and uninstallation procedures, as these are the only periods when the system is vulnerable to this specific attack vector. Organizations using affected versions of CloudAV face significant risk during software maintenance operations, as these activities often occur during business hours when system availability is critical. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor security hygiene in the product's design, as it fails to implement proper sandboxing or privilege separation during administrative operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-8993 require immediate patching of affected Intel Security CloudAV Beta versions to 0.5.0.151.3 or later, which would address the underlying validation issues in the installation and uninstallation processes. Organizations should also implement strict access controls and monitoring during software maintenance operations, ensuring that only authorized personnel can initiate installation or uninstallation procedures. The security team should consider implementing network segmentation or sandboxing techniques that isolate these administrative operations from production systems, preventing potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs. Additional defensive measures include maintaining detailed audit logs of all installation and uninstallation activities, implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify suspicious execution patterns during these processes, and conducting regular security assessments of the software installation environment. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper privilege management and the principle of least privilege, as the installation process should not grant unnecessary elevated access to potentially malicious code. Organizations should also consider implementing software integrity checks that verify the authenticity of installation packages before execution, reducing the risk of compromise during these critical system operations.