The GUI functionality for an interactive session in Symantec LiveUpdate 1.70.x through 1.90.x, as used in Norton Internet Security 2001 through 2004, SystemWorks 2001 through 2004, and AntiVirus and Norton AntiVirus Pro 2001 through 2004, AntiVirus for Handhelds v3.0, allows local users to gain SYSTEM privileges.

Symantec Endpoint Protection prior to SEP 12.1 RU6 MP9 could be susceptible to a privilege escalation vulnerability, which is a type of issue that allows a user to gain elevated access to resources that are normally protected at lower access levels. In the circumstances of this issue, the capability of exploit is limited by the need to perform multiple file and directory writes to the local filesystem and as such, is not feasible in a standard drive-by type attack.