CVE-2008-6827 in Altiris Notification Server
Summary
by MITRE
The ListView control in the Client GUI (AClient.exe) in Symantec Altiris Deployment Solution 6.x before 6.9.355 SP1 allows local users to gain SYSTEM privileges and execute arbitrary commands via a "Shatter" style attack on the "command prompt" hidden GUI button to (1) overwrite the CommandLine parameter to cmd.exe to use SYSTEM privileges and (2) modify the DLL that is loaded using the LoadLibrary API function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6827 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within Symantec Altiris Deployment Solution 6.x versions prior to 6.9.355 SP1. This weakness exists in the Client GUI component specifically within the AClient.exe process and exploits a fundamental design flaw in how the ListView control handles GUI button events. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated "Shatter" style attack methodology that leverages the inherent insecurity of Windows GUI message handling mechanisms, particularly targeting hidden GUI elements that are not properly secured against manipulation by local users.
The technical exploitation mechanism centers on the manipulation of a hidden GUI button associated with the command prompt functionality within the ListView control. This hidden button serves as the attack vector for privilege escalation because it allows local attackers to manipulate the CommandLine parameter that gets passed to cmd.exe. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input that flows through the GUI interface, enabling attackers to inject malicious command line arguments that ultimately result in SYSTEM level privilege execution. This represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and improper privilege handling within GUI applications, which falls under CWE-20 Input Validation and CWE-264 Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete SYSTEM level access to the target system. Once successfully exploited, the attacker can execute arbitrary commands with the highest possible privileges, effectively bypassing all standard security controls and access restrictions. The attack vector specifically targets the LoadLibrary API function, which allows for DLL injection attacks, enabling the execution of malicious code that can persist across system reboots and evade standard security monitoring. This capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1574 DLL Side-Loading, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where the Altiris Deployment Solution is commonly deployed.
The exploitation process involves multiple stages that demonstrate the complexity of the attack methodology. First, the attacker must identify and manipulate the hidden GUI button through the ListView control, then leverage the resulting command line manipulation to execute cmd.exe with SYSTEM privileges. The second stage involves modifying the DLL loading behavior through LoadLibrary API manipulation, which can be used to load malicious DLLs that maintain persistence and provide additional attack capabilities. This multi-stage approach reflects the sophistication required to exploit GUI-based privilege escalation vulnerabilities and demonstrates how seemingly innocuous GUI elements can become critical attack vectors in enterprise security contexts. Organizations implementing the affected Symantec Altiris solution should immediately apply the vendor-provided patch to address both the command line parameter manipulation and DLL loading vulnerabilities. The patch addresses the core issue by implementing proper input validation and privilege separation mechanisms within the GUI components, preventing unauthorized manipulation of critical system parameters and ensuring that only authorized processes can execute with elevated privileges. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of securing all application components, including GUI elements, and the critical need for proper privilege management in enterprise deployment solutions.