CVE-2015-7965 in Authentication Service Windows Logon Agent
Summary
by MITRE
SafeNet Authentication Service Windows Logon Agent uses a weak ACL for unspecified installation directories and executable modules, which allows local users to gain privileges by modifying an executable module, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-7966.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2020
The SafeNet Authentication Service Windows Logon Agent represents a critical authentication component within enterprise security infrastructures, designed to facilitate secure user logon processes through hardware-based token authentication. This vulnerability affects the Windows operating system implementation of the SafeNet Authentication Service, specifically targeting the access control mechanisms employed during the installation and execution of authentication modules. The flaw manifests in the form of weak access control lists that govern the installation directories and executable components of the logon agent, creating exploitable pathways for local adversaries to escalate their privileges within the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate permission controls on installation directories and executable modules within the SafeNet Authentication Service deployment. When the logon agent is installed, it creates specific directory structures and places executable files in locations where the access control list configuration fails to properly restrict write permissions. This weakness allows local users to modify critical executable modules that are typically protected from unauthorized changes, enabling them to inject malicious code or alter existing functionality. The vulnerability operates through the manipulation of file system permissions rather than through network-based attacks, making it particularly concerning as it can be exploited from within the local system context without requiring external network access or sophisticated attack vectors.
From an operational perspective, this privilege escalation vulnerability presents significant risks to enterprise security environments where the SafeNet Authentication Service is deployed. Local users who can exploit this weakness gain the ability to modify core authentication components, potentially allowing them to bypass authentication mechanisms, modify user permissions, or establish persistent access points within the system. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as attackers can manipulate the authentication process itself, potentially creating backdoors or disabling security controls. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where privileged accounts are commonly used or where the authentication service is integrated with critical system functions, as it can serve as a stepping stone for broader system compromise.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper permissions for critical resources, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves local privilege escalation through exploitation of system vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including verification and correction of access control lists on installation directories, ensuring that only authorized system processes and administrators possess write permissions to critical executable modules. The recommended approach involves conducting comprehensive permission audits of the SafeNet Authentication Service installation paths, implementing proper discretionary access control mechanisms, and applying vendor-provided security patches or workarounds. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized modifications to authentication-related executables and establish regular security assessments to identify similar weak access control configurations in other system components.