CVE-2019-1383 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows Data Sharing Service improperly handles file operations, aka 'Windows Data Sharing Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2019-1379, CVE-2019-1417.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/11/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-1383 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Windows Data Sharing Service component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This issue stems from improper handling of file operations within the data sharing service, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate their privileges from standard user level to administrative rights. The vulnerability specifically affects Windows 10 versions 1803 and 1809, as well as Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2016, making it a widespread concern across enterprise and consumer environments. The flaw exists in the way the service processes certain file operations, allowing unauthorized code execution with elevated privileges.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the Windows Data Sharing Service's inadequate validation of file paths and operations during data sharing processes. When a user performs certain file operations through the service, the system fails to properly sanitize input parameters, creating opportunities for path traversal attacks. This weakness aligns with CWE-22, which catalogs improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability can be exploited through crafted file operations that manipulate the service's file handling routines, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges. Attackers can leverage this by creating malicious files or manipulating existing file structures to trigger the vulnerable code path.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-1383 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within affected systems. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability enables full system compromise, allowing attackers to install malware, modify system files, access sensitive data, and establish backdoors for continued access. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited remotely without requiring user interaction, making it a prime candidate for automated exploitation campaigns. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that the Data Sharing Service runs with elevated privileges by design, making any compromise of this service particularly damaging. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would fall under privilege escalation techniques, specifically leveraging Windows service manipulation and file system permissions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-1383 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft's security patches, which address the underlying file operation handling flaws in the Windows Data Sharing Service. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to systems running the affected service, while monitoring for suspicious file operations and privilege escalation attempts. System administrators should disable unnecessary data sharing features and ensure that only authorized users have access to the affected services. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction, making it essential for organizations to apply patches promptly and maintain comprehensive monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing least privilege principles and regular security assessments can help reduce the overall risk exposure associated with this vulnerability.