Symantec AntiVirus Scan Engine Potential Race Condition Vulnerability

Overview
Symantec is aware of a potential race condition reported in the Symantec AntiVirus Scan Engine during initial installation.

Affected Components
Symantec AntiVirus Scan Engine (SAVSE) 4.3 for Solaris and Red Hat

Details
Symantec was alerted to the posting of information indicating a race condition vulnerability in the Symantec AntiVirus Scan Engine during installation. During the installation of the Symantec AntiVirus Scan Engine and the initial system update with Symantec Java LiveUpdate, there is a limited window of opportunity in which a local user could potentially exploit the targeted system. By creating a symbolic link, an attacker could cause Java LiveUpdate to append data to an unintended file, or to create a new file in an unintended location. In some circumstances, an unprivileged user may be able to gain elevated access to the system.

Symantec Response
Symantec has developed a build update for Symantec AntiVirus Scan Engine 4.3 to address this issue. Customers can obtain a build update through their appropriate technical support channels.

The Symantec Antivirus Scan Engine update fully mitigates this issue. Symantec Java LiveUpdate 2.0 is also being strengthened to further address these types of issues. An update for Symantec Java LiveUpdate will be available soon.

Symantec recommends that build update for the Symantec AntiVirus Scan Engine be installed. In the event you cannot install the build update, customers should follow recommended workarounds to help mitigate the potential risk from this issue.

When installing Symantec AntiVirus Scan Engine, administrators should:

CVE
The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) initiative has assigned CVE Candidate name CAN-2004-0217 to this issue.

This is a candidate for inclusion in the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org), which standardizes names for security problems.

Symantec takes the security and proper functionality of its products very seriously. As founding members of the Organization for Internet Safety (OISafety), Symantec follows the principles of responsible disclosure. Symantec also subscribes to the vulnerability guidelines outlined by the National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC). Please contact secure@symantec.com if you feel you have discovered a potential or actual security issue with a Symantec product. A Symantec Product Security team member will contact you regarding your submission.

Symantec has developed a Product Vulnerability Handling Process document outlining the process we follow in addressing suspected vulnerabilities in our products. We support responsible disclosure of all vulnerability information in a timely manner to protect Symantec customers and the security of the Internet as a result of vulnerability. This document is available from the location provided below.

Symantec strongly recommends using encrypted email for reporting vulnerability information to secure@symantec.com. The Symantec Product Security PGP key can be obtained from the location provided below.

Symantec Vulnerability Response Policy

Symantec Product Vulnerability Management PGP Key

Copyright (c) 2008 by Symantec Corp.
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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.

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