CVE-2015-7964 in Authentication Service for NPS Agent
Summary
by MITRE
SafeNet Authentication Service for NPS Agent uses a weak ACL for unspecified installation directories and executable modules, which allows local users to gain privileges by modifying an executable module.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2020
The SafeNet Authentication Service for NPS Agent vulnerability represents a critical access control flaw that undermines the security posture of network authentication systems. This weakness manifests in the form of insufficient access control lists within unspecified installation directories and executable modules, creating a pathway for local attackers to escalate their privileges. The vulnerability stems from improper permission settings that fail to restrict write access to critical system components, allowing unauthorized modification of executable files that form part of the authentication infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the absence of proper discretionary access control mechanisms within the SafeNet Authentication Service installation directories. When the NPS Agent component is installed, it creates various executable modules and configuration files that require appropriate permission controls to prevent unauthorized modifications. The weak ACL configuration fails to properly enforce the principle of least privilege, enabling local users to modify critical system executables that should remain protected from tampering. This misconfiguration creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited regardless of the user's initial access level within the system.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability allows local users to achieve privilege escalation by simply modifying executable modules within the installation directory structure. The attacker can replace legitimate executable files with malicious versions, potentially gaining elevated privileges that exceed their original access rights. This capability undermines the integrity of the authentication service and could enable attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms entirely, leading to unauthorized access to network resources and potential lateral movement within the compromised environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the local user level, making it difficult to detect and trace back to the initial compromise.
The security implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation, as this flaw can be leveraged as part of a broader attack chain within the context of enterprise security frameworks. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms, where attackers can modify system components to maintain access and control over compromised systems. The weakness also relates to CWE-276, which addresses improper permissions for critical resources, and CWE-732, which covers inadequate protection of critical resources. Organizations implementing this authentication service face significant risk if proper access controls are not enforced, as the vulnerability can be exploited by both malicious insiders and external attackers who have gained local access to systems.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper access control measures through the enforcement of strong discretionary access control lists on all installation directories and executable modules. System administrators must ensure that only authorized users and processes have write permissions to critical system components, particularly those involved in authentication and authorization functions. Regular security audits should verify that access control permissions remain properly configured and that no unauthorized modifications have occurred. Additionally, organizations should implement application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized executable modifications and maintain detailed monitoring of system file changes. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security configuration management and the necessity of applying security best practices during software installation and ongoing system maintenance.