CVE-2019-13142 in Surround
Summary
by MITRE
The RzSurroundVADStreamingService (RzSurroundVADStreamingService.exe) in Razer Surround 1.1.63.0 runs as the SYSTEM user using an executable located in %PROGRAMDATA%\Razer\Synapse\Devices\Razer Surround\Driver\. The DACL on this folder allows any user to overwrite contents of files in this folder, resulting in Elevation of Privilege.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-13142 resides within Razer Surround 1.1.63.0 software, specifically targeting the RzSurroundVADStreamingService component that operates with elevated SYSTEM privileges. This service executes from a designated directory located within the ProgramData folder structure at %PROGRAMDATA%\Razer\Synapse\Devices\Razer Surround\Driver\. The service's operation as SYSTEM user presents a critical security risk since it inherently possesses the highest level of system privileges available to any Windows process. The vulnerability manifests through a misconfiguration in the directory's discretionary access control list that permits any authenticated user to overwrite files within this specific folder structure. This misconfiguration creates an exploitable path where a low-privilege attacker can manipulate the service's executable file, ultimately enabling privilege escalation to SYSTEM level.
The technical flaw represents a classic path traversal and file overwrite vulnerability combined with improper privilege separation. The DACL configuration on the target directory fails to properly restrict write permissions, allowing any user account to modify files in the service's execution path. When the RzSurroundVADStreamingService.exe executes, it loads the maliciously modified binary from the compromised directory, causing the service to run with SYSTEM privileges while executing attacker-controlled code. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-276 which describes improper privileges on resources, and CWE-73 which addresses external control of file name or path. The attack vector requires only local user access to the system, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by adversaries who have already gained initial access through other means such as phishing or credential theft.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Once elevated to SYSTEM level, the attacker gains unrestricted access to all system resources, including the ability to modify or delete critical system files, access encrypted data, install additional malware, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Razer Surround software is deployed across multiple endpoints, as it could enable attackers to gain administrative control over numerous systems. The service's location within the ProgramData directory and its execution as SYSTEM user means that any successful exploitation would result in immediate and complete system compromise without requiring additional attack vectors or complex exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate privilege restriction and access control remediation. The primary solution involves modifying the discretionary access control list on the target directory to remove write permissions for non-privileged users while maintaining necessary access for legitimate system operations. Microsoft's ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting T1068 which describes "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized executables from running in the affected directory. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that no other services or applications in the ProgramData directory have similar DACL misconfigurations that could serve as alternative attack vectors. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper privilege separation and access control implementation in system services, particularly those designed to run with elevated privileges.