CVE-2017-9966 in Pelco VideoXpert Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE
An Improper Access Control issue was discovered in Schneider Electric Pelco VideoXpert Enterprise all versions prior to 2.1. By replacing certain files, an authorized user can obtain system privileges and the inserted code would execute at an elevated privilege level.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/28/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9966 represents a critical improper access control flaw within Schneider Electric Pelco VideoXpert Enterprise software versions prior to 2.1. This issue stems from inadequate privilege validation mechanisms that allow authenticated users to escalate their system privileges through file replacement techniques. The vulnerability operates at the core of the application's security model, where legitimate users can exploit a design flaw to gain unauthorized elevated access to the system. This misconfiguration creates a pathway for privilege escalation that directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and principle of least authority. The flaw specifically manifests when authorized users manipulate certain system files, enabling them to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges that should normally be restricted to administrative accounts only.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a weakness in the software's file handling and access control mechanisms. When an authenticated user replaces specific system files, the application fails to properly validate the integrity or authenticity of these modified components. This allows the replacement files to execute with system-level privileges, effectively bypassing the normal access control restrictions that should prevent such privilege escalation. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-284 - Improper Access Control, which specifically addresses situations where programs fail to properly enforce access control mechanisms. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and insufficient file integrity checks, creating an environment where legitimate users can manipulate the system's execution flow. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, where adversaries leverage application flaws to gain elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9966 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete system compromise potential. An attacker with authorized user access can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code with system-level privileges, potentially leading to full system takeover, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability affects the entire VideoXpert Enterprise platform, making it a critical concern for organizations using Schneider Electric security solutions. Organizations utilizing this software without the necessary security patches face significant risk of unauthorized system access and potential data breaches. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only authenticated access, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by insiders or compromised legitimate users. This flaw undermines the security posture of video surveillance systems that are often considered critical infrastructure components, potentially exposing sensitive physical security data and operational information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9966 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to version 2.1 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement additional controls such as file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized file modifications, restrict file system permissions for critical application files, and enforce strict access control policies. Network segmentation and monitoring of system file changes can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct thorough access reviews to minimize the number of users with elevated privileges and implement proper user account management practices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates the critical need for robust access control mechanisms in enterprise security solutions. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar weaknesses in other enterprise applications and systems. Organizations should also consider implementing privileged access management solutions to further restrict and monitor access to critical system components.