CVE-2018-12239 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Norton versions older than 22.15, Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP) versions older than 12.1.7454.7000 and 14.2, Symantec Endpoint Protection Small Business Edition (SEP SBE) versions older than NIS-22.15.1.8 and SEP-12.1.7454.7000, and Symantec Endpoint Protection Cloud (SEP Cloud) versions older than 22.15.1 might encounter a vulnerability related to antivirus bypass. This vulnerability involves exploiting a loophole in one of the virus detection engines, allowing a specific type of virus protection to be evaded. The antivirus bypass technique modifies the file being scanned, making it undetectable by the antivirus engine that relies on a signature pattern from its database to identify malicious files and viruses.

Understanding CVE-2018-12239

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in Norton, Symantec Endpoint Protection, Symantec Endpoint Protection Small Business Edition, and Symantec Endpoint Protection Cloud that could lead to an antivirus bypass issue.

What is CVE-2018-12239?

CVE-2018-12239 is a security vulnerability that affects older versions of Norton, Symantec Endpoint Protection, Symantec Endpoint Protection Small Business Edition, and Symantec Endpoint Protection Cloud. It allows attackers to evade specific virus protection by exploiting a weakness in the antivirus engine.

The Impact of CVE-2018-12239

The vulnerability could potentially allow malicious files to go undetected by the affected antivirus software, compromising the security of the systems using these products.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-12239

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in CVE-2018-12239 enables an antivirus bypass technique that alters scanned files to evade detection by the antivirus engine, which relies on signature patterns to identify threats.

Affected Systems and Versions

Norton versions prior to 22.15
Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP) versions prior to 12.1.7454.7000 & 14.2
Symantec Endpoint Protection Small Business Edition (SEP SBE) versions prior to NIS-22.15.1.8 & SEP-12.1.7454.7000
Symantec Endpoint Protection Cloud (SEP Cloud) versions prior to 22.15.1

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows attackers to modify files during scanning, making them undetectable by the antivirus engine, which relies on predefined patterns to identify threats.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-12239 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update affected software to the latest versions that contain patches for the vulnerability.
Implement additional security measures to complement antivirus protection.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update antivirus software and security patches.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Symantec has released patches to address the vulnerability. Ensure all affected systems are updated with the latest security patches.