CVE-2018-18252 in Access Manager
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in CapMon Access Manager 5.4.1.1005. CALRunElevated.exe provides "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM" access to unprivileged users via the --system option.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-18252 resides within CapMon Access Manager version 5.4.1.1005, specifically affecting the CALRunElevated.exe component that operates with elevated privileges. This issue represents a privilege escalation vulnerability that allows unprivileged users to gain system-level access through a command-line interface option. The flaw manifests when the --system parameter is invoked, which inadvertently grants NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM level privileges to any user who can execute the application, bypassing normal access controls and authentication mechanisms that should restrict such elevated permissions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper privilege handling within the CALRunElevated.exe executable. When executed with the --system flag, the application fails to validate user credentials or enforce proper access controls, effectively creating a backdoor that allows any local user to escalate their privileges to the highest system level. This behavior directly violates the principle of least privilege and represents a critical flaw in the application's security architecture. The vulnerability can be exploited through simple command-line execution without requiring additional authentication or specialized tools, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local user access is not strictly controlled.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of the CapMon Access Manager system. An attacker with local access can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This includes the ability to modify system files, install malicious software, access sensitive data, and establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability affects all users who can execute the CALRunElevated.exe application, including standard users, guest accounts, and any other non-administrative accounts that may have local execution rights within the system environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate access control restrictions and application hardening measures. Organizations should implement strict file system permissions that prevent unauthorized users from executing the CALRunElevated.exe binary or accessing its directory. The --system command-line option should be removed or disabled entirely, and any scripts or processes that invoke this functionality should be reviewed and modified to eliminate the privilege escalation path. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting solutions that restrict execution of specific binaries to authorized users only. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privilege management, and corresponds to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation tactics, specifically focusing on the use of system-level access tokens and command-line interface exploitation methods. Regular security assessments and privilege audits should be conducted to ensure that similar vulnerabilities do not exist in other components of the access management system.