CVE-2004-2070 in Client Service
Summary
by MITRE
The Altiris Client Service for Windows 5.6 SP1 Hotfix E (5.6.181) allows local users to execute arbitrary commands by opening the AClient tray icon and using the View Log File option, a different vulnerability than CVE-2005-1590.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2070 affects the Altiris Client Service for Windows version 5.6 SP1 Hotfix E, specifically targeting the AClient tray icon functionality. This issue represents a local privilege escalation vulnerability that enables attackers with limited system access to execute arbitrary commands through a seemingly benign user interface interaction. The flaw resides in how the client service handles log file viewing operations, creating an execution path that bypasses normal security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and privilege handling within the Altiris client service components. When users interact with the AClient tray icon and select the View Log File option, the system fails to properly sanitize user inputs or validate the execution context. This allows local users to manipulate the log file viewing process to inject and execute malicious commands with elevated privileges. The vulnerability operates at the local system level, requiring only user-level access to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users share systems.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant security risk for organizations relying on Altiris client management solutions. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond clicking a tray icon, making it difficult to detect and prevent through standard security measures. Organizations using this software version face potential unauthorized access to critical system resources and sensitive data.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches for Altiris Client Service version 5.6 SP1 Hotfix E, disabling the problematic tray icon functionality where possible, and implementing network segmentation to limit local user access. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-78 and CWE-20 categories, representing command injection flaws and input validation issues respectively. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and local persistence mechanisms, potentially enabling adversaries to maintain long-term access to compromised systems. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all affected systems and implement proper access controls to prevent unauthorized local execution of malicious commands.