CVE-2019-3750 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\IC\ICDebugLog.txt" to any targeted file. This issue occurs because of insecure handling of Temp directory permissions that were set incorrectly.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-3750 resides within Dell Command Update software versions before 3.1, presenting a critical arbitrary file deletion flaw that undermines system integrity. This vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector involving symbolic link manipulation within the application's temporary directory structure, specifically targeting the Temp\IC\ICDebugLog.txt file path. The flaw stems from improper permission handling during temporary file creation and management processes, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's trust in its own temporary file handling mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a local authenticated attacker with minimal privileges to leverage the insecure temporary directory permissions. The attacker creates a symbolic link from the vulnerable Temp\IC\ICDebugLog.txt location pointing to a target file they wish to delete, effectively bypassing normal file deletion restrictions. This technique demonstrates a classic insecure temporary file handling pattern that directly correlates to CWE-353, which addresses the weakness of using non-secure temporary file creation methods. The vulnerability's exploitation process involves creating a malicious symlink that, when the application attempts to write to or delete the debug log file, inadvertently targets and removes the attacker's chosen file.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file deletion, representing a significant threat to system stability and data integrity. An attacker could potentially target critical system files, configuration data, or user documents through this mechanism, creating cascading effects that compromise system availability and confidentiality. The vulnerability's local nature means that exploitation requires initial access to the system, but once achieved, the attacker can cause substantial damage to the target environment. This weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, and specifically targets the persistence and privilege escalation phases of an attack lifecycle.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate software updates to Dell Command Update version 3.1 or later, which addresses the underlying insecure temporary file handling issue. System administrators should implement additional controls including restricting write permissions to temporary directories, monitoring for unauthorized symbolic link creation, and conducting regular security audits of temporary file handling processes. The fix addresses the root cause by implementing proper temporary directory permission controls and ensuring that temporary files are created with appropriate security attributes that prevent symbolic link manipulation attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized file deletions and symbolic link creation activities that may indicate exploitation attempts.