CVE-2019-6328 in Support Assistant
Summary
by MITRE
HP Support Assistant 8.7.50 and earlier allows a user to gain system privilege and allows unauthorized modification of directories or files. Note: A different vulnerability than CVE-2019-6329.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-6328 affects HP Support Assistant version 8.7.50 and earlier, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw that enables unauthorized users to elevate their system privileges and gain unauthorized access to modify directories or files. This vulnerability specifically targets the HP Support Assistant software, which is designed to provide system diagnostics, hardware monitoring, and support functions for hp devices. The flaw exists within the software's privilege management mechanisms, allowing local attackers with standard user privileges to exploit the system and obtain administrative rights. The vulnerability stems from inadequate access controls and improper privilege handling within the application's architecture, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass normal security restrictions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of insufficient input validation and privilege separation mechanisms within HP Support Assistant. Attackers can leverage this flaw by manipulating the software's file access controls or by exploiting specific API calls that should require elevated privileges but do not properly verify user permissions. This weakness allows for unauthorized modification of system directories and critical files, potentially enabling persistent access and further compromise of the affected system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level, meaning that successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise without requiring additional attack vectors. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability corresponds to CWE-276, which addresses improper privilege management, and CWE-732, which covers inadequate protection of system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-6328 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates a persistent backdoor for attackers to maintain access and expand their control over compromised systems. Once elevated privileges are obtained, attackers can modify critical system files, install malicious software, or disable security controls, making the system increasingly vulnerable to further exploitation. This vulnerability affects enterprise environments where HP Support Assistant is widely deployed, potentially allowing attackers to compromise multiple systems simultaneously. The risk is amplified by the fact that the software is often pre-installed on hp devices and may not be regularly updated, creating extended windows of exposure. Organizations using affected versions of HP Support Assistant face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-6328 should prioritize immediate software updates to version 8.7.51 or later, which contain patches addressing the privilege escalation vulnerability. System administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected systems and ensure timely deployment of security patches. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized software, conducting regular security audits of installed hp software components, and monitoring system logs for suspicious privilege escalation activities. Organizations should also consider network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation and implement robust endpoint protection solutions that can detect anomalous file modification patterns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers exploit for privilege escalation, and T1547.001, covering registry run keys and startup folder, as attackers may attempt to establish persistence through modified system files or registry entries. Given the nature of the vulnerability, continuous monitoring and regular security assessments are essential to maintain protection against potential exploitation attempts.