CVE-2012-1439: Antivirus ELF parser padding field bypasses malware detection

Automated analysis

Generated by VULONE's analysis model from the NVD record, CISA KEV and EPSS data on 18 September 2026. Confidence: medium.

medium priorityThe flaw only bypasses malware detection with no direct code execution, but the very high EPSS score and the security-control-evasion nature keep it relevant for defenders.

What it is

The ELF file parser in eSafe 7.0.17.0, Rising Antivirus 22.83.00.03, Fortinet Antivirus 4.2.254.0, and Panda Antivirus 10.0.2.7 can be tricked by an ELF file with a modified padding field. This lets a crafted malicious ELF file evade the scanner's malware detection, so the product fails at its core job of identifying threats. The record notes it may later be split into separate CVEs if the flaw proves independent across the different parser implementations.

Impact

An attacker gains the ability to deliver a malicious ELF file that the affected antivirus engine does not flag, undermining detection and allowing the payload to reach the target. The flaw itself does not grant code execution or privilege escalation; the gain is evasion of the security control.

Attack surface

Reached remotely over the network by supplying a crafted ELF file to the scanning engine, per the AV:N vector. No authentication is required (Au:N), but the attack has medium complexity (AC:M) and depends on the file being processed by the affected parser.

Exploitation

Not listed in CISA KEV and no reference carries an exploit tag, so there is no confirmed in-the-wild exploitation in this record. EPSS is very high (0.89938, 99.786th percentile), indicating strong predicted likelihood of exploitation activity.

What to do

• Apply vendor updates for the affected antivirus products (eSafe, Rising, Fortinet, Panda) that correct the ELF parser padding handling; patch first.
• If no fix is available, avoid relying solely on these engines for ELF scanning and add a second, independent detection layer.
• Block or quarantine untrusted ELF files at mail and web gateways before they reach endpoints.
• Restrict execution of ELF binaries to trusted sources and monitor for unexpected ELF files on hosts.
• Track the NVD record for a possible CVE split and re-check each vendor's status separately.

Detection

• Alert on ELF files with anomalous or modified padding fields reaching mail, web, or endpoint scanners.
• Correlate scanner logs for ELF files that pass detection but later execute or trigger endpoint alerts.
• Hunt for ELF binaries arriving via email attachments or downloads on hosts running the affected products.
• Monitor for repeated submissions of crafted ELF samples to the affected engines as a sign of evasion testing.

This assessment is produced automatically and is not human-reviewed. Verify against the vendor advisory before acting on it.