CVE-2015-8300 in BToE Connector
Summary
by MITRE
Polycom BToE Connector before 3.0.0 uses weak permissions (Everyone: Full Control) for "Program Files (x86)\polycom\polycom btoe connector\plcmbtoesrv.exe," which allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8300 affects Polycom BToE Connector versions prior to 3.0.0, presenting a critical privilege escalation risk through weak file permissions. This flaw resides in the Windows file system access control settings for the plcmbtoesrv.exe service executable located in the Program Files (x86) directory structure. The vulnerability manifests through the use of overly permissive access control lists that grant full control permissions to the Everyone group, creating an exploitable condition that allows local attackers to manipulate the system through malicious file replacement techniques.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic Trojan horse attack pattern where a local user with standard privileges can replace the legitimate plcmbtoesrv.exe file with a malicious executable. This occurs because the service runs with elevated privileges while the executable file lacks proper access controls that would prevent modification by non-privileged users. The weakness directly maps to CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources, and represents a fundamental failure in the principle of least privilege implementation. The system's security model is compromised as the service executable becomes writable by any user, enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the service account.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration. Attackers can leverage this weakness to install persistent backdoors, modify system configurations, or establish covert communication channels through the compromised service. The vulnerability affects organizations using Polycom BToE Connector in enterprise environments where local user access may be more prevalent, potentially allowing attackers to move laterally within networks or establish footholds for further exploitation. This issue particularly impacts environments where security policies do not properly restrict local user access to system directories, creating a dangerous attack surface for adversaries seeking to escalate privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-8300 require immediate implementation of proper file permissions and access control enforcement. Organizations should modify the permissions on the plcmbtoesrv.exe file and its parent directory to restrict write access to only authorized administrators and system accounts. The recommended approach involves implementing the principle of least privilege by ensuring that only necessary accounts have write permissions to system directories. Security teams should also deploy regular permission audits and implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized file modifications. Additionally, upgrading to Polycom BToE Connector version 3.0.0 or later resolves the issue through proper permission enforcement and improved access control mechanisms. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper access control implementation and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploits, emphasizing the need for robust file system security controls in enterprise environments.