CVE-2003-1169 in Nutzungskontrolle
Summary
by MITRE
DATEV Nutzungskontrolle 2.1 and 2.2 has insecure write permissions for critical registry keys, which alows local users to bypass access restrictions by importing NukoInfo values in certain DATEV keys, which disables Nutzungskontrolle.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2025
CVE-2003-1169 represents a critical privilege escalation vulnerability affecting DATEV Nutzungskontrolle versions 2.1 and 2.2, operating under the CWE-276 principle of insecure permissions for critical resources. This vulnerability stems from the software's improper handling of registry key permissions during installation and operation, specifically targeting the Windows registry entries that govern access controls for critical system functions. The flaw enables local attackers to manipulate the registry by importing malicious NukoInfo values into designated DATEV keys, effectively circumventing the intended access restrictions that the software implements to control usage permissions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the Windows registry's permission model through insecure write permissions for critical registry keys, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1546.10 which covers registry run keys and startup folder. When local users can write to these protected registry locations, they gain the ability to modify the software's operational behavior by injecting their own values that alter how the application interprets access controls. The NukoInfo values serve as the mechanism for this manipulation, allowing attackers to disable the Nutzungskontrolle functionality entirely, which typically enforces licensing restrictions and usage policies for the DATEV software.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential unauthorized access to protected software functionality and data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to bypass licensing restrictions, potentially enabling unlimited usage of the software beyond contractual limits. This represents a significant concern for organizations that rely on DATEV for financial and accounting data processing, as the vulnerability could allow unauthorized users to access sensitive financial information or manipulate the software's behavior to evade audit controls. The local privilege escalation aspect means that any user with basic system access can exploit this vulnerability without requiring administrative privileges initially.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-1169 should focus on immediate registry permission hardening and software updates to address the underlying insecure permissions. Organizations should implement registry access control lists that prevent unauthorized write operations to critical DATEV registry keys, ensuring that only authorized system processes and administrators can modify these entries. The recommended approach involves applying the latest security patches from DATEV, which typically include proper registry permission settings and access control implementations. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive registry audits to identify any existing malicious modifications and implement monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized registry changes to these critical locations, particularly focusing on the specific registry paths associated with DATEV Nutzungskontrolle functionality.