CVE-2018-3702 in Consumer Infrared Driver
Summary
by MITRE
Improper permissions in the installer for the ITE Tech* Consumer Infrared Driver for Windows 10 versions before 5.4.3.0 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3702 resides within the installer component of the ITE Tech Consumer Infrared Driver for Windows 10 systems prior to version 5.4.3.0. This issue manifests as improper permission settings that create a security flaw allowing authenticated users to potentially escalate their privileges through local access mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically impacts systems where the infrared driver installer fails to properly configure file and registry permissions, creating opportunities for privilege escalation attacks. The flaw represents a critical weakness in the Windows security model as it allows local users to leverage installer misconfigurations to gain elevated system privileges.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate permission handling during the installation process of the ITE Tech infrared driver software. When the installer creates files, registry entries, or service configurations, it fails to properly set access control lists that restrict write permissions to only authorized system components. This misconfiguration allows authenticated users to modify critical system files or registry entries that should normally be protected from user-level modifications. The vulnerability operates under CWE-276 which categorizes improper file permissions as a fundamental security weakness in software installation processes. Attackers can exploit this by leveraging the installer's improper permissions to modify system binaries or registry entries that control privilege levels, ultimately enabling them to execute code with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3702 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it creates a persistent security risk for affected Windows 10 systems. An authenticated user who gains access to a system running the vulnerable driver installer can potentially establish persistent backdoors, modify system configurations, or install malicious software with administrator privileges. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where multiple users share systems, as it provides a path for lateral movement and privilege escalation attacks. The attack surface is widened by the fact that the vulnerability exists within a legitimate system driver, making it harder to detect through standard security monitoring. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges, specifically targeting the T1068 technique for local privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3702 primarily focus on updating to the patched version 5.4.3.0 of the ITE Tech Consumer Infrared Driver. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all systems receive the necessary updates promptly. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough permission audits of installed drivers and verify that proper access controls are in place for system files and registry entries. Network segmentation and user access controls should be implemented to limit local access privileges for non-administrative users. Security monitoring should include detection of unauthorized modifications to driver files and registry entries that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure software development practices, particularly in installer components, where proper permission setting and access control implementation are critical security controls that should follow established security standards and best practices.