CVE-2016-8022 in VirusScan Enterprise Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Authentication bypass by spoofing vulnerability in Intel Security VirusScan Enterprise Linux (VSEL) 2.0.3 (and earlier) allows remote unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service via a crafted authentication cookie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8022 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within Intel Security VirusScan Enterprise Linux version 2.0.3 and earlier releases. This weakness stems from improper handling of authentication cookies during the verification process, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent the system's security controls without legitimate credentials. The vulnerability specifically affects the authentication mechanism that relies on cookie validation, which when manipulated by an attacker, allows unauthorized access to system resources and functionality.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the system's failure to properly validate or sanitize authentication cookies received from remote clients. When a crafted cookie is submitted to the VSEL system, the authentication subsystem does not adequately verify the cookie's authenticity or integrity, enabling an attacker to forge valid-looking authentication tokens. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through network-based attacks, requiring no prior authentication credentials to initiate the exploitation process. The flaw essentially creates a condition where the system accepts manipulated cookies as legitimate, thereby undermining the entire authentication framework.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations relying on VSEL for endpoint protection. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. The ability to cause denial of service attacks through this vulnerability further compounds the operational impact, as it can disrupt legitimate system operations and availability. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the security infrastructure, potentially allowing attackers to bypass endpoint protection mechanisms and gain persistent access to network resources.
The exploitation of CVE-2016-8022 aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the credential access and execution tactics. This vulnerability particularly maps to techniques involving spoofing and credential manipulation, where attackers can impersonate legitimate users or systems. The weakness also relates to CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, specifically focusing on authentication bypass through manipulation of authentication tokens. Organizations affected by this vulnerability face potential data breaches, system compromise, and regulatory compliance violations due to the unauthorized access capabilities this flaw provides.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected VSEL installations to the latest available versions that contain the authentication fixes. Organizations should implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect suspicious authentication cookie patterns and unauthorized access attempts. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary authentication mechanisms, implementing robust network access controls, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities. Security teams should also establish incident response procedures specifically addressing authentication bypass scenarios and ensure comprehensive logging of authentication events for forensic analysis. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security software and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against credential manipulation attacks.