CVE-2016-6590 in Ghost
Summary
by MITRE
A privilege escalation vulnerability exists when loading DLLs during boot up and reboot in Symantec IT Management Suite 8.0 prior to 8.0 HF4 and Suite 7.6 prior to 7.6 HF7, Symantec Ghost Solution Suite 3.1 prior to 3.1 MP4, Symantec Endpoint Virtualization 7.x prior to 7.6 HF7, and Symantec Encryption Desktop 10.x prior to 10.4.1, which could let a local malicious user execute arbitrary code.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2024
This privilege escalation vulnerability in Symantec products stems from insecure DLL loading practices during system boot and reboot processes. The flaw allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code by manipulating the dynamic link library loading sequence, which represents a fundamental security weakness in how these applications handle external dependencies. The vulnerability affects multiple Symantec products including IT Management Suite, Ghost Solution Suite, Endpoint Virtualization, and Encryption Desktop, indicating a widespread issue in the company's software architecture that relies on potentially unsafe dynamic loading mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the loading of DLLs from predictable or writable directories during system startup processes, where an attacker can place malicious libraries that will be executed with elevated privileges. This type of flaw falls under CWE-426 Untrusted Search Path, which specifically addresses the issue of applications executing code from untrusted locations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it occurs during boot processes when the system is running with administrative privileges, allowing attackers to gain system-level access without requiring additional exploitation steps.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this weakness to install persistent backdoors, modify system files, escalate to full administrative control, and potentially exfiltrate sensitive data. The vulnerability affects systems that are already compromised through other means or those that have not been patched, making it a particularly attractive target for attackers seeking long-term system access. Organizations running affected versions of Symantec software face significant risk during system restarts and boot cycles when the vulnerable applications are actively loading.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant hotfixes and patches released by Symantec for each affected product version. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as monitoring for unauthorized DLL placement in system directories, restricting write access to critical application folders, and employing application whitelisting solutions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, emphasizing the need for layered defenses that prevent both initial compromise and subsequent privilege escalation. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all affected systems and implement comprehensive monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts.