Software Engineering Institute

The Symantec AntiVirus Scan Engine provides a programming interface to Symantec content scanning and virus detection services. The Symantec AntiVirus Scan Engine includes an administrative interface that is enabled and listening on port 8004/tcp by default. The administrative interface contains a buffer overflow vulnerability that can be triggered by sending a specially crafted HTTP request to port 8004/tcp.

For more detailed information and for a list of vulnerable software, see Symantec Security Response SYM05-017.

A remote, unauthenticated attacker may be able to execute arbitrary code with privileges of the Symantec AntiVirus Scan Engine.

Apply a security update

Install the security updates, as recommended by the Symantec Security Response SYM05-017.

In addition, Symantec Security Response SYM05-017 recommends the following workarounds.

Restrict access

You may wish to block access to the vulnerable software from outside your network perimeter, specifically by blocking access to the administrative port (8004/tcp by default). This will limit your exposure to attacks. However, blocking at the network perimeter would still allow attackers within the perimeter of your network to exploit the vulnerability. The use of host-based firewalls in addition to network-based firewalls can help restrict access to specific hosts within the network. It is important to understand your network's configuration and service requirements before deciding what changes are appropriate.

Change the default port of the administrative interface

Changing the Symantec AntiVirus Scan Engine administrative interface's default port from 8004/tcp may reduce the chances of exploitation.

Disable Symantec AntiVirus Scan Engine user interface

Once configured, disabling the Symantec AntiVirus Scan Engine user interface may reduce the chances of exploitation. For information on how to disable the Symantec AntiVirus Scan Engine user interface please see Symantec Security Response SYM05-017.