CVE-2009-2564 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
NOS Microsystems getPlus Download Manager, as used in Adobe Reader 1.6.2.36 and possibly other versions, Corel getPlus Download Manager before 1.5.0.48, and possibly other products, installs NOS\bin\getPlus_HelperSvc.exe with insecure permissions (Everyone:Full Control), which allows local users to gain SYSTEM privileges by replacing getPlus_HelperSvc.exe with a Trojan horse program, as demonstrated by use of getPlus Download Manager within Adobe Reader. NOTE: within Adobe Reader, the scope of this issue is limited because the program is deleted and the associated service is not automatically launched after a successful installation and reboot.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/30/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-2564 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within download managers integrated into Adobe Reader and other software products. This issue stems from the insecure permission configuration of a helper service executable file, specifically getPlus_HelperSvc.exe, which is installed with Everyone:Full Control permissions. The vulnerability exists in NOS Microsystems getPlus Download Manager components that were embedded in Adobe Reader version 1.6.2.36 and earlier, as well as in Corel getPlus Download Manager versions prior to 1.5.0.48. The insecure permissions create a fundamental security flaw that allows local attackers to escalate their privileges from standard user level to SYSTEM level, effectively compromising the entire system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the principle of insecure file permissions and the exploitation of service installation mechanisms. When getPlus_HelperSvc.exe is installed with full control permissions for the Everyone group, any local user can modify or replace this executable file. Attackers can create a malicious Trojan horse version of the executable that, when executed by the system service, runs with elevated privileges. This occurs because Windows services typically run with SYSTEM privileges, and the service manager will execute whatever executable file is specified in its configuration, regardless of the file's legitimacy. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the system level, bypassing normal user permission checks and providing complete control over the affected system. This flaw aligns with CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources, and represents a classic example of privilege escalation through insecure file permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, particularly within enterprise environments where Adobe Reader is widely deployed. Attackers who gain access to a system with this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors. The attack vector is relatively straightforward, requiring only local access to the system and the ability to replace a specific executable file. Within Adobe Reader specifically, the scope is somewhat limited due to the program's automatic deletion and service unregistration following successful installation and reboot, but this limitation does not prevent the exploitation during the installation phase. The vulnerability affects not just Adobe Reader but also other software products that incorporate the affected download manager components, making it a widespread concern across multiple vendors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2564 should focus on immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The most effective immediate solution is to update to patched versions of the affected software, specifically Adobe Reader 1.6.2.37 or later, and Corel getPlus Download Manager 1.5.0.48 or later, which address the insecure permission configuration. Organizations should also implement immediate permission hardening by ensuring that system service executables are not granted Everyone:Full Control permissions, instead using more restrictive access controls that follow the principle of least privilege. Security administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of installed software and services to identify any other executables with similar insecure permissions. Additionally, system monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized modifications to critical system files, and regular security assessments should be performed to identify and remediate similar permission-related vulnerabilities. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper privilege management and service configuration, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers privilege escalation through service misconfiguration. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized executable modifications and maintain regular patch management processes to address such vulnerabilities promptly.