CVE-2006-2154 in Retrospect
Summary
by MITRE
EMC Retrospect for Windows 6.5 before 6.5.382, 7.0 before 7.0.344, and 7.5 before 7.5.1.105 does not drop privileges before opening files, which allows local users to execute arbitrary code via the File>Open dialog.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2019
This vulnerability resides in EMC Retrospect backup software versions 6.5 before 6.5.382, 7.0 before 7.0.344, and 7.5 before 7.5.1.105 for Windows operating systems. The core issue stems from improper privilege management within the application's file handling mechanisms, specifically during the File>Open dialog operation. The flaw represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability that allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the Retrospect application fails to drop administrative privileges before performing file operations through the File>Open dialog interface. This design flaw enables malicious users to manipulate file paths or trigger specific file operations that ultimately allow code execution. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-279 as improper privilege management, which directly relates to the application's failure to properly manage its security context during file operations. When users interact with the File>Open dialog, the application maintains its elevated privileges, creating an attack surface where malicious file content or crafted file paths can be exploited to execute arbitrary code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations using affected EMC Retrospect versions, as it provides local attackers with a straightforward path to privilege escalation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code with the same privileges as the Retrospect application, potentially gaining access to sensitive backup data or using the elevated privileges to compromise the entire system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal user interaction beyond opening the File>Open dialog, making it an attractive target for social engineering attacks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1068 (Local Privilege Escalation) and T1547 (Boot or Logon Autostart Execution), as it allows attackers to establish persistent access through elevated privileges.
The attack vector is relatively simple and can be exploited through various methods including malicious file injection, symbolic link manipulation, or crafted file paths that trigger the vulnerable code path. Since the vulnerability exists in the file handling subsystem, attackers can potentially exploit it through multiple entry points including network shares, local storage devices, or even through legitimate backup operations that involve file selection. Organizations using these vulnerable versions should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor patches, restricting local user access to the application, and implementing proper file access controls. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of privilege separation principles in application design, where applications should always drop unnecessary privileges before performing file operations, a concept aligned with the principle of least privilege and commonly referenced in security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-144.