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CVE-2016-2208: Symantec Anti Virus Engine: Remote code execution

CVE-2016-2208 is rated critical with a CVSS v3.0 base score of 9.1 and affects Symantec Anti Virus Engine. Per its scoring, it can be exploited over the network, without authentication, without any user interaction.

Vulnerability description

The kernel component in Symantec Anti-Virus Engine (AVE) 20151.1 before 20151.1.1.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory access violation and system crash) via a malformed PE header file.

Severity breakdown

CVSS v3.0 9.1: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H

  • Attack vector: Network. Exploitable remotely over the network, with no need for local or physical access.
  • Attack complexity: Low. No special conditions; the attack can be repeated reliably.
  • Privileges required: None. No account or prior access is needed.
  • User interaction: None. No action from any user is needed.
  • Scope: Unchanged. Impact stays within the vulnerable component.
  • Confidentiality impact: None. No loss of confidentiality.
  • Integrity impact: High. Total loss of integrity; data or system state can be fully modified.
  • Availability impact: High. Total loss of availability; the component can be shut down.

Affected products

  • Symantec Anti Virus Engine: up to and including 20151.1.0.32

References