CVE-2011-5044 in SopCast
Summary
by MITRE
SopCast 3.4.7.45585 uses weak permissions (Everyone:Full Control) for Diagnose.exe, which allows local users to execute arbitrary code by replacing Diagnose.exe with a Trojan horse program.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-5044 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within SopCast version 3.4.7.45585 that stems from improper file permission configuration. This issue resides in the application's installation process where the Diagnose.exe executable is created with excessively permissive access controls that grant full control permissions to the Everyone group. The fundamental security weakness lies in the application's failure to implement proper access control mechanisms during installation, creating an attack surface that adversaries can exploit to gain elevated privileges. This misconfiguration directly violates security best practices and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege that should govern all system components.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a straightforward but effective method of privilege escalation. Local attackers can simply replace the legitimate Diagnose.exe file with a malicious Trojan horse program that maintains the same filename and executable structure. When the system attempts to execute the diagnostic utility, it inadvertently runs the malicious code instead of the legitimate program. This technique leverages the principle of least privilege violation by allowing unauthorized users to modify critical system components without proper authentication or authorization. The vulnerability operates at the file system level and demonstrates how improper permission settings can create persistent backdoors for malicious actors. This type of flaw is categorized under CWE-276 as "Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resources" and represents a classic example of insecure file handling that enables arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass broader security implications for systems running affected software. Local users who can access the system can leverage this weakness to escalate their privileges to SYSTEM level access, which provides complete control over the affected machine. This creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where multiple users may have local access to systems running SopCast. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit, making it attractive to both malicious actors and potentially compromised insiders. Once exploited, attackers can install persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or establish further footholds within network infrastructure. The attack vector is particularly concerning in environments where users have local administrative privileges or where security policies are not properly enforced.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-5044 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most direct approach involves modifying the file permissions of Diagnose.exe to restrict write access to only authorized administrative users or system accounts. This can be achieved through proper access control list configuration that removes the Everyone:Full Control permissions and implements more restrictive security policies. System administrators should also implement application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized executable modifications and monitor for suspicious file replacement activities. The recommended solution aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers "Local Privilege Escalation" and emphasizes the importance of proper file system permissions in preventing unauthorized modifications. Organizations should also conduct regular security audits to identify similar permission misconfigurations across their software ecosystem and ensure that all applications follow secure coding practices that prevent excessive privilege assignment during installation processes.