CVE-2017-3210 in Portrait Display SDK
Summary
by MITRE
Applications developed using the Portrait Display SDK, versions 2.30 through 2.34, default to insecure configurations which allow arbitrary code execution. A number of applications developed using the Portrait Displays SDK do not use secure permissions when running. These applications run the component pdiservice.exe with NT AUTHORITY/SYSTEM permissions. This component is also read/writable by all Authenticated Users. This allows local authenticated attackers to run arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges. The following applications have been identified by Portrait Displays as affected: Fujitsu DisplayView Click: Version 6.0 and 6.01. The issue was fixed in Version 6.3. Fujitsu DisplayView Click Suite: Version 5. The issue is addressed by patch in Version 5.9. HP Display Assistant: Version 2.1. The issue was fixed in Version 2.11. HP My Display: Version 2.0. The issue was fixed in Version 2.1. Philips Smart Control Premium: Versions 2.23, 2.25. The issue was fixed in Version 2.26.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-3210 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within applications built using the Portrait Display SDK ecosystem. This issue stems from insecure default configurations that persist across multiple vendor implementations, creating a widespread attack surface for local authenticated adversaries. The vulnerability specifically affects versions 2.30 through 2.34 of the Portrait Display SDK, where the underlying pdiservice.exe component is configured with dangerous permissions that allow any authenticated user to manipulate system resources. This fundamental misconfiguration creates a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges, effectively compromising the entire system's security posture. The flaw manifests through the component's default read/write permissions that are accessible to all authenticated users, eliminating proper access controls that should normally restrict such privileges to authorized system components.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-defined attack pattern that aligns with common privilege escalation methodologies documented in cybersecurity frameworks. The pdiservice.exe component operates with NT AUTHORITY/SYSTEM permissions, which represents the most elevated privilege level within windows operating systems. This component serves as a critical system service that should normally be protected from unauthorized access, yet the insecure default configuration allows any authenticated user to modify its behavior. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources, and demonstrates how default insecure configurations can create persistent security weaknesses. Attackers can leverage this flaw by simply authenticating to the system and then manipulating the vulnerable service component, bypassing normal security boundaries that should prevent such unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual system compromise to affect entire enterprise environments where these applications are deployed. Organizations running affected versions of Portrait Display SDK-based applications face significant risk of lateral movement and persistent access within their networks. The vulnerability affects multiple vendors including Fujitsu, HP, and Philips, indicating that this is not an isolated issue but rather a systemic problem within the SDK's default implementation. When combined with other exploitation techniques, this vulnerability can serve as a foundation for more complex attacks, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistence, escalate privileges further, or access sensitive system resources. The affected applications operate at the system level, meaning that successful exploitation provides complete control over the target machine, including the ability to read, modify, or delete any system files and data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves updating all affected applications to their patched versions, with specific attention to the version numbers provided in the advisory. Organizations should prioritize patching the affected applications including Fujitsu DisplayView Click versions 6.0 and 6.01, Fujitsu DisplayView Click Suite version 5, HP Display Assistant version 2.1, HP My Display version 2.0, and Philips Smart Control Premium versions 2.23 and 2.25. The patches provided by vendors address the root cause by implementing proper access controls and removing the insecure default configurations. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other applications that might be built using the affected SDK versions. From a defensive standpoint, implementing proper application whitelisting and monitoring for unauthorized modifications to system services can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and default security configurations, as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, particularly those targeting service configuration weaknesses and insecure default permissions.