CVE-2013-1092 in ZENworks Desktop Management
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple unquoted Windows search path vulnerabilities in Novell ZENworks Desktop Management (ZDM) 7 through 7.1 might allow local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse "program" file in the C: folder, related to an attempted launch of (1) ZenRem32.exe or (2) wm.exe.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1092 represents a critical privilege escalation issue within Novell ZENworks Desktop Management versions 7 through 7.1. This flaw manifests through unquoted search path vulnerabilities that exploit the Windows operating system's path resolution mechanism, creating a dangerous attack surface for local adversaries. The vulnerability specifically targets two executable components: ZenRem32.exe and wm.exe, which are launched within the context of the ZDM service. When Windows attempts to execute these programs, it follows a predictable search order that includes the root C: directory, where unquoted paths can be exploited by malicious actors. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-428, which describes weaknesses in search path resolution, and demonstrates how improper path handling can lead to privilege escalation attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a local attacker places a malicious executable file in the root C: directory with the same name as one of the vulnerable executables. Windows, when attempting to launch ZenRem32.exe or wm.exe without proper quotation of the path, will first search in the current directory and then proceed through the system PATH. Since the vulnerable executables are launched from a directory that lacks proper quoting in their command line arguments, the system will execute the attacker's malicious program instead of the legitimate one. This behavior constitutes a classic privilege escalation vector that allows local users to execute code with the privileges of the ZDM service account. The attack requires only local access to the system, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses network-based security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive system resources and configuration data managed by the ZENworks Desktop Management system. The ZDM service typically operates with elevated privileges to manage desktop environments, making the compromise of these services particularly damaging. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain persistence within the system, escalate privileges to SYSTEM level, or access confidential information stored within the ZDM environment. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that ZDM is commonly deployed in enterprise environments where it manages critical desktop infrastructure, making successful exploitation potentially devastating to organizational security posture. This vulnerability maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and persistence tactics.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1092 must address the root cause of the unquoted search path issue through proper path quoting in executable launch commands. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided patches released for ZENworks Desktop Management versions 7 through 7.1, which correct the path resolution behavior by properly quoting the executable paths. System administrators should also implement the principle of least privilege by ensuring that ZDM services operate with minimal required permissions. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for unauthorized executables in system directories, implementing application whitelisting policies, and conducting regular security audits of system paths and executable locations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper command line argument handling in security-critical applications and aligns with best practices outlined in secure coding standards that emphasize the need for proper path validation and quoting to prevent such exploitation vectors.