CVE-2018-5236 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Symantec Endpoint Protection versions prior to 14 RU1 MP1 or 12.1 RU6 MP10 are vulnerable to a race condition, potentially leading to security risks.

Understanding CVE-2018-5236

Symantec Endpoint Protection is at risk of a race condition, affecting the final outcome based on uncontrollable event timing.

What is CVE-2018-5236?

A race condition in Symantec Endpoint Protection occurs when the software's behavior is determined by the sequence or timing of unpredictable events.

The Impact of CVE-2018-5236

Systems running affected versions may be exposed to security vulnerabilities due to the race condition.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-5236

Symantec Endpoint Protection is susceptible to a race condition, potentially compromising system security.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises in versions prior to 14 RU1 MP1 or 12.1 RU6 MP10, where a race condition could lead to security issues.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Symantec Endpoint Protection
Vendor: Symantec Corporation
Vulnerable Versions: Prior to 14 RU1 MP1 or 12.1 RU6 MP10

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could exploit the race condition by manipulating the timing or sequence of events to compromise system security.

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking immediate action and implementing long-term security measures are crucial to safeguard systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Symantec Endpoint Protection to version 14 RU1 MP1 or 12.1 RU6 MP10 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any suspicious activities on the network that could indicate exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to prevent vulnerabilities.
Conduct security audits and assessments to identify and address potential risks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Symantec and apply patches promptly to protect systems.