A vulnerability was found in Microword eScan Antivirus 7.0.32 on Linux, rated as problematic. This vulnerability allows for a stack-based buffer overflow, specifically in the function removeExtraSlashes located in the file /opt/MicroWorld/sbin/rtscanner of the Folder Watch List Handler component. The attack must be approached locally, and the exploit has been disclosed to the public, which means it may be used against vulnerable systems.
As the vulnerability is rated medium severity with a CVSS score of 4.8, it poses a risk to organizations that utilize this antivirus solution. The vendor was contacted regarding this issue but did not respond. Organizations using this software should prioritize remediation to prevent potential exploitation.
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access and the potential for system compromise. Local exploitation of this vulnerability necessitates swift action as attackers may leverage it if left unaddressed. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
The urgency for defenders is high due to the nature of the vulnerability and the possibility of local exploitation. Organizations should assess their environments for the presence of Microword eScan Antivirus 7.0.32 and apply the necessary updates or mitigations.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability described allows for a buffer overflow, which can lead to local exploit scenarios if an attacker can access the affected function. This vulnerability is cataloged as CWE-119 and CWE-121, indicating stack-based buffer overflow risks and improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer.
The CVSS score of 4.8 classifies this vulnerability as medium severity. The attack vector is local, and the attack complexity is low, allowing an attacker with limited privileges to potentially exploit this vulnerability without user interaction.
The product affected by this vulnerability is Microword eScan Antivirus 7.0.32 running on Linux, and it was published on January 26, 2025. Organizations should be aware of this vulnerability and its implications for the integrity and availability of their systems.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of the vulnerability lies in the improper handling of input within the removeExtraSlashes function. This oversight leads to stack-based buffer overflow conditions that can be exploited by a local attacker.
The attack vector is local, meaning that an attacker must have local access to the system running the vulnerable version of Microword eScan Antivirus. The attack complexity is low, requiring no special conditions for exploitation, apart from having access to the system.
Privileges required for exploitation are low, and user interaction is not required, making it easier for an attacker to execute the exploit. The impact on confidentiality and integrity is none, but there is a low impact on availability, as the buffer overflow may lead to a denial of service.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with this vulnerability is significant for organizations that have not yet implemented the necessary updates. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to the system or induce crashes that affect availability.
Organizations should understand that the blast radius potential is limited to systems running Microword eScan Antivirus 7.0.32. However, if exploited, it could lead to further attacks on the network or corporate data breaches.
The urgency assessment based on the CVSS score indicates that organizations should address this vulnerability with a high priority. Given the public disclosure and the exploitability of the vulnerability, swift action is necessary to mitigate the risk.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The only affected version is Microword eScan Antivirus 7.0.32. Organizations should consider all versions prior to the vendor patch to be vulnerable.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the latest patches offered by the vendor as soon as they become available. In the absence of a patch, users should consider disabling the Folder Watch List Handler or implementing network controls to limit access to the affected system.
For comprehensive security, organizations may also benefit from engaging in penetration testing to identify any further vulnerabilities within their systems.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any unusual access patterns or attempts to exploit buffer overflow vulnerabilities. Behavioral anomalies within the antivirus application can also indicate potential exploitation. Continuous monitoring of system changes will help identify any unauthorized modifications.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The significance of CVE-2025-0720 lies in its representation of common vulnerabilities within antivirus software, highlighting the importance of rigorous testing and patch management. Security teams should learn from this incident to enhance their vulnerability management programs and reduce the likelihood of similar vulnerabilities in the future.
To further bolster defenses, organizations are encouraged to engage in vulnerability management program design and consider adopting penetration testing methodologies to identify and remediate vulnerabilities in a proactive manner.
Regularly reviewing security practices and conducting comprehensive security assessments can help mitigate the risk of vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-0720 and ensure a robust security posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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