CVE-2008-2287 in Altiris Deployment Solution
Summary
by MITRE
Symantec Altiris Deployment Solution 6.8.x and 6.9.x before 6.9.176 does not properly protect the install directory, which might allow local users to gain privileges by replacing an application component with a Trojan horse.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2287 affects Symantec Altiris Deployment Solution versions 6.8.x and 6.9.x prior to 6.9.176, representing a significant security flaw in the software's directory protection mechanisms. This issue stems from insufficient access controls and privilege management within the installation directory structure, creating an exploitable condition that could allow local attackers to escalate their privileges through malicious file replacement techniques. The vulnerability specifically targets the installation directory where critical application components reside, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks within the system's security framework.
The technical flaw manifests as a lack of proper file system permissions and directory protection mechanisms that should normally prevent unauthorized modifications to critical application components. When the Altiris Deployment Solution installs its components, it fails to implement adequate access controls that would prevent local users from replacing legitimate executable files or libraries with malicious Trojan horse versions. This weakness creates a path for privilege escalation where an attacker with local access can substitute a legitimate component with a malicious one, potentially gaining elevated privileges that would normally be restricted to authorized administrators. The vulnerability operates under CWE-276, which classifies improper file permissions as a fundamental access control weakness that enables unauthorized modifications to system components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to compromise the entire deployment solution environment and potentially gain access to sensitive system resources. Local users who can exploit this condition may be able to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise or unauthorized access to network resources managed by the deployment solution. The attack vector requires local system access, making it particularly concerning for environments where multiple users share systems or where privilege separation is inadequate. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can undermine the security posture of organizations relying on the Altiris Deployment Solution for system management and software deployment operations.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patch version 6.9.176 or later, which addresses the directory protection weaknesses through enhanced file system permissions and access control mechanisms. System administrators should also review and tighten directory permissions for the Altiris installation directories, ensuring that only authorized personnel have write access to critical components. The implementation of additional security controls such as file integrity monitoring and regular permission audits can help detect and prevent unauthorized modifications to system components. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can be categorized under techniques that exploit weak file permissions and access controls, making it a critical concern for organizations implementing security frameworks that follow established threat modeling practices.