CVE-2018-11002 in Desktop Client
Summary
by MITRE
Pulse Secure Desktop Client 5.3 up to and including R6.0 build 1769 on Windows has Insecure Permissions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11002 affects Pulse Secure Desktop Client versions 5.3 through R6.0 build 1769 on Windows operating systems, specifically addressing insecure permissions that create significant security risks. This issue stems from improper access control mechanisms within the client application's installation and runtime environment, where critical system resources and configuration files are not adequately protected from unauthorized access. The insecure permissions allow local attackers with standard user privileges to potentially modify or access sensitive components that should only be accessible to administrators or the system itself, fundamentally undermining the security posture of systems running this software.
The technical flaw manifests through weak file and registry permission settings that fail to implement proper discretionary access control principles. Attackers can exploit these misconfigurations to gain elevated privileges or access sensitive data stored within the application's installation directory or associated registry keys. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables privilege escalation attacks where a regular user can manipulate the client application's configuration files, potentially leading to unauthorized access to corporate networks or sensitive information. This weakness operates at the operating system level, leveraging standard Windows permission models that should normally prevent unauthorized modifications to system components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks including data exfiltration, network reconnaissance, and persistent access to corporate environments. When exploited, the insecure permissions can allow attackers to modify the client configuration to redirect traffic through malicious proxies or to store credentials in insecure locations. Organizations using Pulse Secure clients are particularly vulnerable because the desktop client often maintains persistent connections to corporate networks, making the attack surface larger and more persistent. The vulnerability also impacts compliance with security frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001, as it represents a failure to implement proper access controls and least privilege principles.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate permission remediation through proper access control list adjustments, ensuring that only authorized users and processes can modify critical application components. Organizations should implement regular security audits to identify and correct insecure permissions across all installed software, particularly focusing on applications with network connectivity capabilities. The recommended approach includes applying the vendor-provided patches and updates, implementing application whitelisting policies, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar permission issues in other software components. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resources and maps to ATT&CK technique T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive access control measures throughout the enterprise security infrastructure.