CVE-2019-3749 in Command Update
Summary
by MITRE
Dell Command Update versions prior to 3.1 contain an Arbitrary File Deletion Vulnerability. A local authenticated malicious user with low privileges potentially could exploit this vulnerability to delete arbitrary files by creating a symlink from the "Temp\ICProgress\Dell_InventoryCollector_Progress.xml" to any targeted file. This issue occurs because permissions on the Temp directory were set incorrectly.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-3749 represents a critical arbitrary file deletion flaw within Dell Command Update software versions prior to 3.1. This security weakness stems from improper permission settings on the temporary directory structure used by the application, creating a path traversal scenario that allows unauthorized file manipulation. The vulnerability specifically affects the Temp\ICProgress\Dell_InventoryCollector_Progress.xml file location, which serves as a critical point of exploitation for malicious actors seeking to compromise system integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a symbolic link attack vector where a malicious user can create a symlink pointing from the vulnerable XML file location to any target file on the system. This exploitation technique leverages the flawed permission model that grants insufficient access controls on the temporary directory structure. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-59 as improper file permissions, which directly enables unauthorized file system access and manipulation. The attack requires only local authentication and low privilege access, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by users who do not possess elevated system rights.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to system security and data integrity within enterprise environments where Dell Command Update is deployed. The arbitrary file deletion capability allows attackers to remove critical system files, configuration data, or user information, potentially leading to system instability, data loss, or service disruption. The impact extends beyond simple file deletion as it can be used to facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as persistent backdoor installation or system compromise through the removal of security-critical components. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations using older versions of Dell Command Update, creating a substantial attack surface for threat actors targeting enterprise infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-3749 primarily focus on immediate software updates to version 3.1 or later, which address the underlying permission issues in the temporary directory structure. System administrators should also implement additional security controls including restricted access to the Temp directory, regular permission audits, and monitoring for unauthorized symlink creation. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution through command-line interfaces and T1486 for data destruction, making it a significant concern for organizations following the MITRE ATT&CK framework. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected versions and implement proper access controls to prevent unauthorized file system modifications. The remediation process should include not only patching but also network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and system integrity verification to ensure no unauthorized modifications have occurred.