CVE-2013-0665 in AcSELerator QuickSet
Summary
by MITRE
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) AcSELerator QuickSet before 5.12.0.1 uses weak permissions for its Program Files directory, which allows local users to replace executable files, and consequently gain privileges, via standard filesystem operations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0665 affects Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories AcSELerator QuickSet software versions prior to 5.12.0.1, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw rooted in improper access control mechanisms. This issue manifests through weak directory permissions within the software's Program Files installation directory, creating a fundamental security weakness that local attackers can exploit to elevate their system privileges. The vulnerability resides in the software's installation and configuration practices rather than in the application's core functionality, making it particularly concerning as it undermines the basic security assumptions of the operating system's permission model.
The technical flaw stems from the improper assignment of file system permissions during the software installation process, where the Program Files directory receives insufficient access controls that allow local users to modify or replace critical executable components. This weakness directly violates the principle of least privilege and creates an attack surface that enables malicious users to substitute legitimate executables with malicious counterparts, effectively allowing privilege escalation from standard user level to administrative privileges. The vulnerability operates through standard filesystem operations without requiring special exploitation techniques, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages the operating system's inherent permission model against itself.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations that deploy SEL AcSELerator QuickSet software, particularly in industrial control environments where security is paramount. Local attackers with minimal privileges can exploit this weakness to gain elevated system access, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to critical infrastructure systems. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it could enable attackers to modify configuration settings, install backdoors, or manipulate operational data within the industrial control environment. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where the software is installed on systems with multiple users or where standard user accounts have access to the system.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploitation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patch to version 5.12.0.1 or later, which addresses the weak directory permissions issue. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough permission audits of installed software directories and implement mandatory access controls to prevent unauthorized modifications to critical system components. The remediation approach should include regular security assessments of installed software and implementation of privilege separation mechanisms to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities in the broader security architecture.