CVE-2005-1970 in pcAnywhere
Summary
by MITRE
Symantec pcAnywhere 10.5x and 11.x before 11.5, with "Launch with Windows" enabled, allows local users with physical access to execute arbitrary commands via the Caller Properties feature.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2021
Symantec pcAnywhere versions 10.5x and 11.x prior to 11.5 contained a critical local privilege escalation vulnerability that exploited the "Launch with Windows" feature to enable arbitrary command execution. This vulnerability specifically affected systems where the pcAnywhere client was configured to automatically launch upon system startup, creating a persistent attack surface that could be exploited by physically present attackers. The flaw resided in how the application handled caller properties during the authentication process, allowing malicious actors with physical access to manipulate the system's execution flow through carefully crafted input parameters. This vulnerability represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and privilege management, where the application failed to properly sanitize user-supplied data before executing system commands.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leveraged the legitimate pcAnywhere Caller Properties functionality to inject malicious commands into the system execution pipeline. When the pcAnywhere client launched automatically with Windows, it would process caller properties that were configured through the application's interface. Attackers could manipulate these properties to include executable commands that would be processed by the system without proper validation. The vulnerability essentially created a command injection vector within the legitimate system startup mechanism, allowing local users to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the pcAnywhere process. This represents a CWE-78 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command) vulnerability, where the application fails to properly escape or validate command arguments before executing them. The flaw was particularly dangerous because it required only physical access to the system, making it exploitable in scenarios where an attacker had direct access to the machine.
The operational impact of this vulnerability was significant for organizations relying on Symantec pcAnywhere for remote access management. System administrators who had enabled the "Launch with Windows" feature inadvertently created a backdoor that could be exploited by anyone with physical access to the compromised machine. This vulnerability essentially undermined the security model of the application by allowing local privilege escalation without requiring network access or authentication credentials. The implications extended beyond simple command execution, as attackers could potentially install malware, modify system configurations, or exfiltrate sensitive data through the compromised pcAnywhere process. Organizations using this vulnerable software were exposed to persistent threats that could remain undetected for extended periods, particularly in environments where physical security controls were insufficient.
Organizations should immediately implement the vendor-provided security patches for Symantec pcAnywhere versions 10.5x and 11.x prior to 11.5 to remediate this vulnerability. System administrators should disable the "Launch with Windows" feature if it is not essential for business operations, as this significantly reduces the attack surface. Additionally, implementing proper physical security controls, such as restricted access to computer systems and monitoring of physical access points, becomes crucial in mitigating this class of attack. Security monitoring should include detection of unauthorized changes to pcAnywhere configuration files and unusual process execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of least privilege principles in system configuration, where applications should not be granted unnecessary startup privileges that could be exploited by local attackers. This case demonstrates the critical need for proper input validation and command execution sanitization in all system components, particularly those that handle user-supplied data in privileged contexts. Organizations should also consider alternative remote access solutions that have been designed with modern security practices and have undergone comprehensive security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in their infrastructure.