CVE-2019-12645 in Jabber Client Framework
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in Cisco Jabber Client Framework (JCF) for Mac Software, installed as part of the Cisco Jabber for Mac client, could allow an authenticated, local attacker to execute arbitrary code on an affected device The vulnerability is due to improper file level permissions on an affected device when it is running Cisco JCF for Mac Software. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by authenticating to the affected device and executing arbitrary code or potentially modifying certain configuration files. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code or modify certain configuration files on the device using the privileges of the installed Cisco JCF for Mac Software.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-12645 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within Cisco Jabber Client Framework for Mac Software, which forms part of the broader Cisco Jabber for Mac client ecosystem. This issue stems from inadequate file system permissions that persist on affected devices, creating a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by authenticated local attackers. The vulnerability specifically targets the Cisco JCF for Mac Software installation, which operates with elevated privileges on the system, making it an attractive target for malicious actors seeking to escalate their access level.
The technical flaw manifests through improper file level permissions that are established during the installation of Cisco JCF for Mac Software, creating a scenario where the software operates with unnecessarily broad access rights. This misconfiguration allows an authenticated user to leverage the software's elevated privileges to execute arbitrary code or modify critical configuration files. The vulnerability operates at the operating system level, where the software's file permissions are not properly restricted, enabling local attackers to bypass normal security boundaries that should normally separate user processes from system-critical components. This weakness directly aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions, and demonstrates how inadequate access control mechanisms can lead to privilege escalation attacks.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations relying on Cisco Jabber for Mac clients, as it allows attackers with legitimate user credentials to gain elevated system access without requiring additional exploitation techniques. The successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in complete system compromise, as attackers could execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the installed Cisco JCF software, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system modification, or further lateral movement within the network. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only local authentication, meaning that any user with valid credentials on the affected device could potentially exploit this weakness, making it a significant concern for environments with shared or unsecured workstations.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation tactics, specifically targeting the "Permission Groups" and "File and Directory Permissions Modification" techniques. Attackers could leverage this weakness to establish persistent access, modify system configurations, or deploy additional malware. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as privilege monitoring, file integrity checking, and regular permission audits to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper software installation practices and the necessity of following security best practices such as principle of least privilege, where software should only be granted the minimum permissions necessary to function correctly. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be employed to detect unusual code execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability could be used as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks within the enterprise environment.