CVE-2012-1447: Antivirus ELF parser detection bypass via modified e_version field

Automated analysis

Generated by VULONE's analysis model from the NVD record, CISA KEV and EPSS data on 19 September 2026. Confidence: medium.

medium priorityThe flaw only bypasses detection rather than granting direct access, but it affects widely deployed AV engines and carries a high EPSS score.

What it is

The ELF file parser in Fortinet Antivirus, eSafe, Dr.Web and Panda Antivirus fails to properly handle a modified e_version field, allowing a crafted ELF file to evade malware detection. Because the affected component is the scanner itself, a bypass undermines the core protection these products provide. The record notes it may later be split into separate CVEs if the flaw proves independent across the different parser implementations.

Impact

An attacker can deliver a malicious ELF file that the antivirus engine does not flag, letting malware reach the target host undetected. The direct gain is evasion of detection rather than code execution or data access.

Attack surface

Reachable remotely over the network by supplying a crafted ELF file to the scanning engine; no authentication is required. The CVSS vector indicates medium attack complexity and no user interaction requirement, though in practice a file must be scanned or opened.

Exploitation

Not listed in CISA KEV, and no reference is tagged as exploit or proof-of-concept. EPSS is high (0.67655, 99.3rd percentile), suggesting elevated predicted exploitation activity despite the absence of confirmed public exploit code.

What to do

• Apply vendor updates for the affected antivirus products; no fixed version is stated in this record, so confirm with each vendor.
• Do not rely on a single AV engine for ELF files; add a second, independently implemented scanner or sandbox detonation.
• Block or quarantine untrusted ELF binaries at email and web gateways before they reach endpoint scanners.
• Restrict execution of ELF binaries to trusted sources and monitor for files with anomalous e_version header values.

Detection

• Hunt for ELF files with non-standard or modified e_version header values in scan logs and file repositories.
• Correlate AV scan results with sandbox or second-engine verdicts to find files that one engine misses.
• Monitor for ELF binaries arriving via email or web download that pass AV but exhibit suspicious behavior.
• Review AV engine version inventory to identify hosts still running the affected parser builds.

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