CVE-2019-3719 in SupportAssist Client
Summary
by MITRE
Dell SupportAssist Client versions prior to 3.2.0.90 contain a remote code execution vulnerability. An unauthenticated attacker, sharing the network access layer with the vulnerable system, can compromise the vulnerable system by tricking a victim user into downloading and executing arbitrary executables.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-3719 affects Dell SupportAssist Client software versions prior to 32090, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that enables attackers to gain unauthorized system control. This vulnerability resides within the client-side application responsible for managing system support and diagnostic functions, creating a significant security risk for enterprise environments where multiple users interact with shared network resources. The flaw specifically manifests in the application's handling of downloaded content, where insufficient validation allows malicious payloads to be executed without user consent or authentication.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper execution controls within the SupportAssist Client framework. Attackers exploit this weakness by crafting malicious files that appear legitimate to the user interface, leveraging social engineering techniques to trick victims into executing these payloads. The vulnerability operates at the network layer, requiring only local network access to the target system, which significantly reduces the attack surface complexity. According to CWE-749, this represents a dangerous use of potentially harmful functions that allows remote code execution, while the ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique involving exploitation of software vulnerabilities for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Organizations utilizing affected SupportAssist Client versions face elevated risk of data breaches, system infiltration, and unauthorized access to sensitive corporate information. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access or credentials to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in shared or public network environments where network segmentation is insufficient. This weakness can be leveraged to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, and access network resources that would otherwise remain protected.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-3719 primarily focus on immediate software updates to version 3.2.0.90 or later, which address the core validation flaws in the client application. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit local network exposure, particularly for systems running vulnerable SupportAssist Client versions. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual download activities and execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of application whitelisting policies and user education programs can further reduce the risk of successful social engineering attacks. Additionally, regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other enterprise applications and systems that may present similar attack vectors.