CVE-2009-4738 in ATOK
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in JustSystems Corporation ATOK 2006 through 2009 and ATOK flat-rate service, and Just Smile 4 with the ATOK Smile module, allows physically proximate users to bypass the screen lock and execute commands with system privileges via unknown vectors related to "launching external applications."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2019
This vulnerability resides within the ATOK text input software suite developed by JustSystems Corporation, affecting versions from 2006 through 2009 of both the desktop applications and the ATOK flat-rate service, as well as Just Smile 4 when equipped with the ATOK Smile module. The flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables unauthorized execution of system-level commands through a privilege escalation vector. The vulnerability specifically relates to how the software handles the launching of external applications, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by physically proximate users who are positioned near the target system. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and falls under the broader category of privilege escalation vulnerabilities that can be exploited through local attack vectors. The attack requires physical proximity to the target device, indicating that the vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation or improper privilege handling within the application's external application launching mechanism. The security implications are severe because the attack can bypass standard screen lock protections and execute commands with full system privileges, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over the affected system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves the software's failure to properly validate or restrict the execution of external applications initiated through its interface. When ATOK processes requests to launch external applications, it appears to lack adequate access control mechanisms that would normally prevent unauthorized command execution. This weakness allows attackers with physical access to manipulate the application's behavior to execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges. The attack vector specifically exploits the relationship between the text input system and external application launching functionality, where the software's privilege model fails to properly isolate or validate these operations. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified suggests that the exact technical implementation details of the flaw remain unclear, but it is evident that the issue stems from improper privilege handling within the application's external process management subsystem. This pattern of vulnerability is consistent with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and involves leveraging software flaws to gain higher privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete system compromise. Physically proximate attackers can exploit this flaw to execute malicious code with system-level privileges, potentially leading to data theft, system modification, or persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability affects both desktop environments and service-based deployments, indicating it could be exploited in various organizational settings from individual workstations to enterprise-wide deployments. Organizations using these specific versions of ATOK software face significant risk, as the attack requires only physical proximity rather than complex network-based exploitation methods. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions suggests a fundamental design flaw in the privilege management system of the application, making it particularly concerning for long-term deployments. Additionally, the attack's reliance on physical proximity makes it difficult to detect through traditional network monitoring systems, as the exploitation occurs locally on the target device.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by JustSystems Corporation, as well as operational security measures to prevent unauthorized physical access to systems running vulnerable software. Organizations should implement strict access controls and ensure that only authorized personnel have physical proximity to critical systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of privilege separation in application design, particularly for software that interfaces with system-level functions. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software within their environments and prioritize remediation efforts. Network segmentation and endpoint protection measures can provide additional layers of defense, though they cannot fully compensate for the local privilege escalation capability. The vulnerability also underscores the need for regular security updates and patch management processes, as it represents a flaw that was likely addressed in subsequent software versions. Organizations should consider implementing device-level security controls such as secure boot mechanisms and application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized execution of malicious code through legitimate application interfaces. Proper incident response procedures should be established to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts, given the local nature of the attack vector and the high privilege levels that can be achieved.