CVE-2019-8452 in ZoneAlarm
Summary
by MITRE
A hard-link created from log file archive of Check Point ZoneAlarm up to 15.4.062 or Check Point Endpoint Security client for Windows before E80.96 to any file on the system will get its permission changed so that all users can access that linked file. Doing this on files with limited access gains the local attacker higher privileges to the file.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2024
This vulnerability resides in Check Point ZoneAlarm and Endpoint Security client software versions up to 15.4.062 and E80.96 respectively, where a flaw exists in how the system handles log file archives through hard link creation. The technical implementation fails to properly validate file permissions when creating hard links from archived log files to arbitrary system locations, creating a privilege escalation vector that directly contradicts standard security practices for file system access control. The flaw specifically affects Windows operating systems where the hard link mechanism allows bypassing normal access controls when the log file archive is processed and linked to another file on the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it enables local attackers to gain unauthorized access to restricted files and potentially elevate their privileges within the system. When an attacker creates a hard link from a log archive to a sensitive file with restricted permissions, the system automatically modifies the target file's permissions to allow access for all users, effectively removing the original access restrictions. This behavior violates fundamental security principles outlined in the CWE-276 Common Weakness Enumeration category which addresses improper file permissions and inadequate access control mechanisms. The vulnerability essentially creates a mechanism for privilege escalation that bypasses normal Windows file permission models and access control lists.
Attackers can exploit this weakness by first identifying sensitive files within the system that have restricted access permissions, then creating a hard link from a log file archive to that target file, causing the system to modify the target file's permissions. This technique allows attackers to gain access to files that would normally be restricted to specific user groups or system processes, potentially enabling further exploitation such as access to system configuration files, credential storage areas, or other sensitive data repositories. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers privilege escalation through local exploits, and T1078 which addresses valid accounts and legitimate credentials. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it requires minimal privileges to execute and can be automated to target multiple files within a system.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate software updates to patched versions of Check Point ZoneAlarm and Endpoint Security clients that address the hard link permission handling flaw. System administrators should implement additional monitoring for hard link creation activities and file permission changes, particularly in sensitive directories. The principle of least privilege should be enforced more rigorously, ensuring that log files and archive directories have appropriate access controls that prevent unauthorized modification of file permissions. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that file permissions remain consistent with system security policies and that no unauthorized hard links have been created. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous file system activities related to hard link creation and permission modifications, as this vulnerability represents a significant risk to system integrity and data confidentiality.