CVE-2017-9036 in ServerProtect for Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Trend Micro ServerProtect for Linux 3.0 before CP 1531 allows local users to gain privileges by leveraging an unrestricted quarantine directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9036 affects Trend Micro ServerProtect for Linux version 3.0 prior to CP 1531, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw that exploits improper access controls within the antivirus software's quarantine mechanism. This issue stems from the software's failure to properly restrict file operations within its quarantine directory, creating a path for local attackers to elevate their system privileges. The vulnerability specifically targets the privilege separation model implemented by ServerProtect, where the quarantine functionality should operate with restricted permissions but instead allows malicious code execution with elevated privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the unrestricted quarantine directory functionality, which permits local users to manipulate files within the designated quarantine area without proper authorization checks. This flaw aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions and inadequate access control mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this weakness by placing malicious files in the quarantine directory, which are then processed by the antivirus service with elevated privileges, effectively bypassing standard user restrictions. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic privilege escalation pattern where a local user can exploit a service running with higher privileges to gain unauthorized administrative access.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9036 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the system that can be leveraged for further compromise. This vulnerability can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation, and T1548.002, focusing on abuse of sudo or similar privileges. The affected environment becomes vulnerable to various attack vectors including data exfiltration, lateral movement, and system-wide compromise. Organizations running vulnerable versions of ServerProtect face significant risk as the exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be executed without network connectivity, making it particularly dangerous in isolated environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching to version CP 1531 or later, which addresses the unrestricted quarantine directory issue through proper access control implementation. System administrators should also implement additional security controls such as restricting write permissions to the quarantine directory, monitoring for unauthorized file modifications, and implementing privilege separation measures. The remediation process should include comprehensive system auditing to identify any potential exploitation attempts and network segmentation to limit the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for the ServerProtect service account and regularly reviewing access controls to prevent unauthorized modifications to critical system components.