CVE-2014-9141 in Fixed Assets CS
Summary
by MITRE
The installer in Thomson Reuters Fixed Assets CS 13.1.4 and earlier uses weak permissions for connectbgdl.exe, which allows local users to execute arbitrary code by modifying this program.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9141 resides within the installer component of Thomson Reuters Fixed Assets CS version 13.1.4 and earlier releases. This issue manifests through the improper configuration of file permissions for the connectbgdl.exe executable file. The installer process fails to establish appropriate access controls, creating a security weakness that can be exploited by local adversaries. The flaw represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability where an attacker with local system access can manipulate the permissions of this specific executable to gain elevated privileges and execute malicious code.
This vulnerability directly correlates with CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for security-critical assets. The technical implementation flaw involves the installer's failure to properly set file access controls, allowing local users to modify the connectbgdl.exe program. When an attacker modifies this executable, they can inject malicious code that will execute with the privileges of the target system. The weakness stems from the installer's lack of proper file permission enforcement during the installation process, creating an attack surface that persists beyond the installation phase. The connectbgdl.exe file likely serves as a background service or utility component that requires elevated privileges to function properly, making it an attractive target for privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables persistent malicious activity within the target environment. Local attackers can leverage this weakness to establish backdoors, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware components. The vulnerability affects systems where Thomson Reuters Fixed Assets CS is installed, potentially compromising financial data integrity and system security. Attackers can use this entry point to maintain long-term access to the compromised systems, particularly in enterprise environments where financial applications are frequently deployed. The persistence of this vulnerability means that once exploited, the attacker can maintain access even after system restarts, as the modified executable continues to function with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9141 should focus on immediate permission correction and system hardening measures. Organizations must ensure that the connectbgdl.exe file and related installer components are configured with appropriate access controls, typically following the principle of least privilege. The recommended approach involves setting restrictive file permissions that prevent unauthorized modification while maintaining legitimate functionality. System administrators should implement regular permission audits to detect and remediate similar issues across other installed applications. Additionally, applying the vendor-provided security patches or updates that address this specific vulnerability is crucial. The mitigation process should also include monitoring for unauthorized changes to critical system files and implementing application whitelisting controls to prevent execution of modified binaries. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper permission management during installation processes and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through weak file permissions.