CVE-2005-1590 in client service
Summary
by MITRE
the altiris client service for windows (aclient.exe) 6.0.88 allows local users to disable password protection and access the administrative interface by finding and showing the "altiris client service" hidden window disabling the password protection disabling the "hide client tray icon box" option then opening the aclient tray icon and using the view log file option a different vulnerability than cve-2004-2070.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2017
The altiris client service for windows version 6.0.88 contains a critical local privilege escalation vulnerability that allows attackers with low-privilege access to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain administrative control over the system. This vulnerability specifically affects the aclient.exe process which manages the altiris client service interface. The flaw stems from improper access controls and insufficient authentication checks within the client service's graphical user interface components, creating a pathway for unauthorized users to manipulate the service's security settings. The vulnerability represents a significant security weakness in enterprise endpoint management software, as it allows local users to escalate their privileges without requiring administrative credentials or complex exploitation techniques.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of hidden user interface elements within the altiris client service. Attackers can locate and interact with a hidden "altiris client service" window through specific window enumeration techniques, which allows them to modify critical service configuration parameters. The vulnerability specifically targets the password protection mechanism that should normally prevent unauthorized access to administrative functions. By disabling the password protection through the hidden window interface and unchecking the "hide client tray icon box" option, attackers can effectively bypass the authentication layer that should protect administrative access. This manipulation occurs through direct interaction with the service's graphical interface components rather than through network-based attacks or complex exploitation methods.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete administrative control over the affected system. Once exploited, local users can access all administrative functions of the altiris client service, including system configuration modifications, software deployment management, and access to sensitive system information. The ability to view log files through the tray icon interface provides attackers with additional reconnaissance capabilities, potentially exposing system configurations, user activities, and other sensitive operational data. This vulnerability undermines the fundamental security model of endpoint management systems, where administrative access should be strictly controlled and require proper authentication mechanisms. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where multiple users may have local access to managed systems but should not possess administrative privileges.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including restricting local user access to systems running the affected altiris client service, disabling unnecessary graphical interfaces where possible, and ensuring proper access controls are in place for all administrative functions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically addressing improper access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized privilege escalation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and credential access methods, particularly targeting the use of legitimate credentials and system tools for unauthorized access. Organizations should also consider implementing additional monitoring for unusual interactions with the altiris client service interface and ensure that all endpoint management software is kept up to date with the latest security patches and updates. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper interface design and access control implementation in security-critical applications, highlighting the need for comprehensive security testing of user interface components that may be accessible to unprivileged users.