HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2010-5160
MEDIUM

CVE-2010-5160

CWE-362Published: August 25, 2012· Updated: Jun 16, 2026

4.5
CVSS v3.1

Official Description

Race condition in ESET Smart Security 4.2.35.3 on Windows XP allows local users to bypass kernel-mode hook handlers, and execute dangerous code that would otherwise be blocked by a handler but not blocked by signature-based malware detection, via certain user-space memory changes during hook-handler execution, aka an argument-switch attack or a KHOBE attack. NOTE: this issue is disputed by some third parties because it is a flaw in a protection mechanism for situations where a crafted program has already begun to execute

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2010-5160 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.

Exploitation does not require any privileges, though user interaction (Required) is needed, which slightly reduces the risk of mass automated attacks.

CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown

Exploitability
Attack VectorLocal
Attack ComplexityHigh
Privileges Req.None
User InteractionRequired
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityLow
IntegrityLow
AvailabilityLow
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L

Affected Vendors & Products

eset1 product(s)
smart security
Microsoft1 product(s)
windows xp
Source: NVD CPE · 2 total CPE entries

Exploit & PoC Resources

NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
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All References (18)

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2010-5160
CVSS Score4.5 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-362
CISA KEVNo
Affected2 vendor(s)
PublishedAug 25, 2012

Related CVEs (CWE-362)

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-2010-5160 in threat intel feeds
  • Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.