CVE-2016-6592 in Endpoint Protection
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability was found in Symantec Norton Download Manager versions prior to 5.6. A remote user can create a specially crafted DLL file that, when placed on the target user's system, will cause the Norton Download Manager component to load the remote user's DLL instead of the intended DLL and execute arbitrary code when the Norton Download Manager component is run by the target user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6592 represents a critical dynamic link library (dll) injection flaw within Symantec Norton Download Manager software versions earlier than 5.6. This security weakness stems from improper handling of dynamic library loading mechanisms, specifically allowing attackers to manipulate the software's execution flow through maliciously crafted dll files. The vulnerability operates under the broader category of insecure dynamic loading practices that have been classified under CWE-427 and CWE-428, which detail the risks associated with uncontrolled library loading and the potential for privilege escalation through malicious code injection.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a remote attacker to place a specially crafted malicious dll file onto a target system where the vulnerable Norton Download Manager component is installed. When the target user subsequently executes the Norton Download Manager application, the software's loader mechanism inadvertently loads and executes the attacker-controlled dll instead of the legitimate system dll files. This behavior creates a privilege escalation vector where the malicious code runs with the same privileges as the Norton Download Manager process, potentially enabling full system compromise. The flaw essentially demonstrates a classic dll hijacking attack pattern that has been documented in various cybersecurity frameworks including the mitre ATT&CK matrix under techniques related to process injection and privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within targeted environments where Norton Download Manager is deployed. Organizations using affected versions face significant risk of data exfiltration, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Norton Download Manager might be deployed across multiple systems, as it could enable attackers to establish a foothold that persists across system reboots and user sessions. The attack vector's remote nature means that exploitation can occur without physical access to target systems, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with remote workers or distributed computing environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-6592 primarily focus on immediate software updates to versions 5.6 and later, which contain patches addressing the insecure dll loading behavior. Organizations should implement comprehensive software inventory management to identify all systems running vulnerable versions of Norton Download Manager and prioritize their remediation. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict which dll files can be loaded by the Norton Download Manager process, conducting regular security audits of system directories for unauthorized dll files, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect suspicious file placement activities. Network-based security controls such as intrusion detection systems should also be configured to alert on unusual file creation patterns in directories commonly used by download managers. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-427 emphasizes the importance of proper library path resolution and the need for developers to implement secure coding practices that prevent attackers from manipulating dynamic loading sequences through predictable file placement attacks.