CVE-2004-2126 in BlackICE PC Protection
Summary
by MITRE
The upgrade for BlackICE PC Protection 3.6 and earlier sets insecure permissions for .INI files such as (1) blackice.ini, (2) firewall.ini, (3) protect.ini, or (4) sigs.ini, which allows local users to modify BlackICE configuration or possibly execute arbitrary code by exploiting vulnerabilities in the .INI parsers.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2126 represents a critical privilege escalation issue within BlackICE PC Protection software versions 3.6 and earlier. This flaw stems from the improper configuration of file permissions during the software upgrade process, specifically affecting four critical configuration files including blackice.ini, firewall.ini, protect.ini, and sigs.ini. The insecure permissions allow local attackers to modify these sensitive configuration files, potentially leading to system compromise through manipulation of security settings.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the insecure file permission model where .INI configuration files are created with world-writable permissions or inadequate access controls. These files contain critical security parameters that govern how the BlackICE protection system operates, including firewall rules, protection policies, and signature definitions. When local users can modify these files, they gain the ability to alter the security posture of the system, potentially disabling critical protection mechanisms or introducing malicious configurations that could be exploited further.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration modification, as the .INI parser components within BlackICE are susceptible to code execution when malformed input is processed. This creates a pathway for local users to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the BlackICE service or user context, effectively bypassing the intended security controls. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient privilege separation and inadequate file access control implementation, which aligns with CWE-732 - Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource and CWE-264 - Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability represents a local privilege escalation vector that can be exploited by malicious users or processes already present on the system. The attack chain typically begins with local access to the system, followed by modification of the .INI files, and concludes with potential code execution through the vulnerable parser components. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it undermines the fundamental security assumptions of the protection software, essentially allowing attackers to subvert the very security mechanisms designed to protect the system.
The remediation approach for CVE-2004-2126 requires immediate implementation of proper file permission controls for all configuration files, ensuring that only authorized users or processes can modify these critical resources. System administrators should verify that .INI files are created with restrictive permissions, typically limiting access to the administrator account or the specific service account running BlackICE. Additionally, implementing proper file integrity monitoring and access control auditing can help detect unauthorized modifications to these critical configuration files. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege and proper access control implementation as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks and standards including those referenced in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely remediation of such vulnerabilities and maintain up-to-date security configurations across their environments.