CVE-2015-6034 in Network Utility
Summary
by MITRE
EPSON Network Utility 4.10 uses weak permissions (Everyone: Full Control) for eEBSVC.exe, which allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6034 resides within the EPSON Network Utility version 4.10 software, specifically targeting the eEBSVC.exe service executable. This flaw represents a critical access control weakness that fundamentally undermines the security posture of the affected system. The vulnerability manifests through the improper configuration of file permissions where the eEBSVC.exe binary is granted full control permissions to the Everyone group, creating an exploitable condition that allows local attackers to manipulate the service execution environment. This misconfiguration creates a privilege escalation vector that directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and access control enforcement.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the service's installation process where the eEBSVC.exe executable is placed in a location that permits unrestricted write access to all local users. When a malicious actor places a Trojan horse file with the same name in the service directory, the system will execute the attacker-controlled binary instead of the legitimate service component. This behavior constitutes a classic Trojan horse attack pattern that leverages weak file permissions to achieve unauthorized code execution with elevated privileges. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions and inadequate access control mechanisms, while also aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through service manipulation and binary planting.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the system. Once executed, the malicious binary can perform actions typically restricted to system-level processes, including modifying system files, accessing sensitive data, or establishing additional persistence mechanisms. Local users who might otherwise lack administrative privileges can leverage this weakness to gain system-level control, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or shared computing scenarios. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it an attractive target for both malicious actors and automated attack frameworks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6034 should focus on immediate permission remediation and long-term security hardening measures. Organizations must immediately correct the file permissions on eEBSVC.exe by removing the Everyone:Full Control access rights and implementing proper access control lists that restrict write permissions to authorized administrative users only. The recommended approach involves setting permissions to only allow SYSTEM and administrators access while ensuring that no local user accounts possess write access to the service directory. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and regular security audits can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other software components. The remediation process should also include verifying that the service executes with minimal required privileges and that all installed software components follow secure configuration practices as outlined in industry standards such as CIS Benchmarks and NIST guidelines. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized file modifications to critical system executables and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing privilege escalation vulnerabilities.