I. BACKGROUND
Norton Internet Security 2008 is a system security suite that offers
protection from spyware, viruses, identity theft, spam, and malicious
network traffic. More information can be found on the vendor's site at
the following URL.
http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice/products/overview.jsp?pcid=is&
pvid=nis2008
II. DESCRIPTION
Remote exploitation of a design error in an ActiveX control installed
with Symantec Norton Internet Security 2008 could allow for the
execution of arbitrary code.
Norton Internet Security 2008 installs the following ActiveX control
which is registered as safe for scripting:
Progid: SymAData.ActiveDataInfo.1
Clsid: 3451DEDE-631F-421c-8127-FD793AFC6CC8
File: C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\SUPPOR~1\SymAData.dll
Version: 2.7.0.1
This control contains functionality designed to allow Symantec to
remotely execute programs on the target machine.
III. ANALYSIS
Exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the
privileges of the currently logged in user. In order for exploitation
to occur, an attacker would have to lure a vulnerable user to a
malicious web site.
While this control is marked as safe for scripting, the control has been
designed so that it can only be run from the "symantec.com" domain. In
practice this requirement can be bypassed through the use of any Cross
Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the Symantec domain.
Exploitation could also occur through the use of DNS poisoning attacks.
IV. DETECTION
iDefense confirmed that this vulnerability exists in version 2.7.0.1 of
the control that is installed with the 2008 version of Norton Internet
Security. Other versions may also be available.
V. WORKAROUND
Setting the kill-bit for this control will prevent it from being loaded
within Internet Explorer. However, doing so will prevent legitimate use
of the control.
VI. VENDOR RESPONSE
Symantec has addressed this vulnerability by releasing updates. For more
information, refer to their advisory at the following URL.
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/security/Content/2008.04.02a.html
VII. CVE INFORMATION
The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the
name CVE-2008-0313 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in
the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org/), which
standardizes names for
security problems.
VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
12/14/2007 Initial vendor notification
12/14/2007 Initial vendor response
04/02/2008 Coordinated public disclosure
IX. CREDIT
The discoverer of this vulnerability wishes to remain anonymous.
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X. LEGAL NOTICES
Copyright © 2008 iDefense, Inc.
Permission is granted for the redistribution of this alert electronically. It may not be edited in
any way without the express written consent of iDefense. If you wish to reprint the whole or any
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permission.
Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate at the time of publishing
based on currently available information. Use of the information constitutes acceptance for use in
an AS IS condition. There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the author nor
the publisher accepts any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage
arising from use of, or reliance on, this information.
