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A recent security breach has highlighted significant vulnerabilities within the widely used ZoneAlarm antivirus software, developed by CheckPoint Software Technologies. This new exploit has caught the attention of experts and users alike due to its sophisticated use of a component within the software to bypass critical Windows security features. The attack leverages a system file, vsdatant.sys, which is part of ZoneAlarm’s security framework. The discovery was shared by Nima Bagheri, a security researcher and founder of Venak Security, in a report published on March 20, 2025.
This article takes a closer look at the nature of the attack, how it bypasses Windows security, and what actions users should take to protect themselves.
Summary:
Nima Bagheri recently reported a new form of cyber attack exploiting a component of CheckPoint’s ZoneAlarm antivirus software, specifically the vsdatant.sys system file. This attack is classified as a Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) attack, where attackers use an existing, legitimate file to gain control over a system without raising suspicion.
The vsdatant.sys file, being part of
This vulnerability has existed since 2016, specifically in version 14.1.32.0 of the vsdatant.sys file. By exploiting flaws within this version, attackers are able to bypass Windows Memory Integrity, a security feature meant to protect critical system processes by isolating them in a virtualized environment. When these defenses were bypassed, attackers were able to gain access to critical system information, including user passwords and other stored credentials.
Once they had access, attackers established a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connection, ensuring they could maintain long-term access to the compromised systems. The vulnerabilities in ZoneAlarm’s software pose a significant risk to both individual users and organizations that rely on this antivirus software for protection.
Bagheri’s report emphasized that newer versions of vsdatant.sys are not vulnerable, encouraging users to update their ZoneAlarm software as soon as possible. While CheckPoint was contacted for comment, they had not responded by the time the report was published.
What Undercode Says:
This exploit sheds light on several important issues within the cybersecurity landscape, particularly the security risks associated with trusted software components and drivers. The BYOVD attack relies on a seemingly legitimate system file, which makes it harder for traditional security measures to detect the malicious activity. Since vsdatant.sys was originally designed as part of the ZoneAlarm software, security tools do not raise alarms when it executes potentially dangerous actions, such as modifying kernel-level components or bypassing critical security protocols like Windows Memory Integrity.
One of the most concerning aspects of this exploit is how it highlights a fundamental flaw in Windows’ security model. Windows Memory Integrity is meant to safeguard the system’s core functions from tampering by isolating them in a secure environment. However, with attackers leveraging legitimate, signed drivers, they are able to circumvent these protections and effectively gain control of the entire system. This underscores the fact that relying solely on signature-based detection is insufficient, especially when trusted software can be weaponized.
Furthermore, this attack exemplifies how sophisticated threat actors can leverage even minor vulnerabilities to gain significant footholds in targeted systems. The ability to extract sensitive data, establish an RDP connection, and maintain persistent access shows just how devastating such exploits can be if left unchecked.
The research also highlights the critical importance of regularly updating antivirus software and other security tools. As mentioned, later versions of vsdatant.sys do not suffer from these vulnerabilities, so users should take immediate action to update their ZoneAlarm software. Unfortunately, many users may fail to recognize the necessity of regular updates, leaving their systems exposed to potential exploits like this one.
From a broader perspective, this exploit serves as a reminder to both consumers and enterprises that cyber threats continue to evolve, often targeting components considered safe or secure. Organizations must take a proactive approach to security, continuously monitoring for new threats and ensuring that all components, including security software, are up-to-date and capable of defending against emerging attack vectors.
The fact that CheckPoint did not respond to Bagheri’s findings at the time of publication also raises concerns about transparency and accountability in the cybersecurity industry. Companies need to be more responsive and transparent about vulnerabilities in their products to build trust with their users.
Fact Checker Results:
- The vulnerability in vsdatant.sys has been confirmed to exist in versions prior to the most recent updates, posing a real risk for users of older versions of ZoneAlarm.
- The BYOVD attack method is consistent with known tactics used by sophisticated cybercriminals to bypass endpoint security systems.
- The researcher’s recommendation for updating to the latest version of ZoneAlarm aligns with best practices for mitigating this particular risk.
References:
Reported By: https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/cybercriminals-exploit-checkpoint/
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