Norton Internet Security Remote Command Execution

NGSSoftware Insight Security Research Advisory

Name: Norton Internet Security Remote Command Execution
Systems Affected: XP (not confirmed on 2000); NIS & NIS Pro 2004, not confirmed on previous
versions.
Severity: High
Vendor URL: http://www.symantec.com
Author: Mark Litchfield [ mark@ngssoftware.com ]
Date Vendor Notified:    4th March 2004
Date of Public Advisory: 19th March 2004
Advisory number: #NISR19042004b
Advisory URL: http://www.ngssoftware.com/advisories/nisrce.txt

Description
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Symantec’s Norton Internet Security™ 2004 Professional protects you and your business from
online threats. It eliminates viruses automatically, blocks hackers, safeguards your personal
information, fights spam, increases online productivity, recovers lost or damaged files, and
thoroughly deletes confidential data you no longer need.

Details
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Installed with Norton Internet Security and Professional is an ActiveX component that is marked
safe for scripting, namely WrapNISUM Class (c:\program files\Norton Internet Security
Professional\WrapUM.dll).
Using the LaunchURL method an attacker has the ability to force the browser to run arbitrary
executables on the target.  In a real world attack, this would more than likely take the form
of a UNC path.  It’s important to note here that on those Windows operating systems that support
the WEBDAV redirector file system if the UNC path cannot be reached over TCP port 139 or 445 it
will switch to TCP Port 80 (http).  Needless to say this aspect will allow attacks to go through
corporate firewalls.  The attack can be achieved either by encouraging the ‘victim’ to visit a
malicious web page or placing a script within the content of an (html) email.

Fix Information
***************

Shipped with all Symantec’s products is the LiveUpdate feature. Open Internet Security /
Professional and select the LiveUpdate feature which will retrieve the latest patch.
It’s worth mentioning Symantec’s quick response to this issue in ensuring their clients remain
protected.

About NGSSoftware
*****************
NGSSoftware design, research and develop intelligent, advanced application
security assessment scanners. Based in the United Kingdom, NGSSoftware have
offices in the South of London and the East Coast of Scotland. NGSSoftware’s
sister company NGSConsulting, offers best of breed security consulting
services, specialising in application, host and network security
assessments.

http://www.ngssoftware.com/

Telephone +44 208 401 0070
Fax +44 208 401 0076

enquiries@ngssoftware.com