CVE-2016-4535 in LiveSafe
Summary
by MITRE
Integer signedness error in the AV engine before DAT 8145, as used in McAfee LiveSafe 14.0, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption and crash) via a crafted packed executable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4535 represents a critical integer signedness error within the antivirus engine of McAfee LiveSafe version 14.0, specifically affecting systems running DAT versions prior to 8145. This flaw exists in the core scanning logic where the software fails to properly handle signed integer values during the processing of packed executable files, creating a pathway for remote exploitation that can result in system instability and service disruption.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of integer values within the antivirus engine's unpacking and analysis routines. When processing maliciously crafted packed executables, the software encounters a scenario where signed integer overflow or underflow occurs during memory allocation calculations, leading to corrupted memory structures and subsequent application crashes. This type of error falls under the CWE-191 category of Integer Underflow (Wrap or Wraparound) and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for Network Denial of Service, as it enables remote adversaries to disrupt service availability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass potential memory corruption that could provide attackers with opportunities for more sophisticated exploitation attempts. Remote attackers can craft specific packed executable files that trigger the signed integer error, causing the antivirus engine to allocate incorrect memory regions or perform invalid operations that result in application termination. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local system access to trigger the flaw, making it particularly concerning for endpoint protection solutions where such software operates continuously.
Organizations utilizing McAfee LiveSafe 14.0 should prioritize immediate remediation through the deployment of DAT version 8145 or later, which contains the necessary patches addressing the integer signedness error. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious file transfers can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and integer handling in security software, where even seemingly benign operations like file unpacking can become attack vectors when integer arithmetic is not properly constrained. Security teams should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring to detect anomalous scanning patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the memory corruption aspect of this vulnerability could potentially be leveraged for more advanced attack vectors beyond simple denial of service.