CVE-2019-9745 in HIP Integrator Recognition Configuration Tool
Summary
by MITRE
CloudCTI HIP Integrator Recognition Configuration Tool allows privilege escalation via its EXQUISE integration. This tool communicates with a service (Recognition Update Client Service) via an insecure communication channel (Named Pipe). The data (JSON) sent via this channel is used to import data from CRM software using plugins (.dll files). The plugin to import data from the EXQUISE software (DatasourceExquiseExporter.dll) can be persuaded to start arbitrary programs (including batch files) that are executed using the same privileges as Recognition Update Client Service (NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM), thus elevating privileges. This occurs because a higher-privileged process executes scripts from a directory writable by a lower-privileged user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9745 resides within the CloudCTI HIP Integrator Recognition Configuration Tool, a system designed for integrating customer recognition data with CRM software. This tool operates by establishing communication with a service called Recognition Update Client Service through an insecure named pipe mechanism. The vulnerability stems from the insecure communication channel that lacks proper authentication and encryption mechanisms, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can manipulate the data flow. The system's architecture relies on plugin-based data import functionality, specifically utilizing .dll files to interface with various CRM systems including EXQUISE software. This design pattern creates a potential privilege escalation pathway when the system processes data through these dynamically loaded modules.
The technical flaw manifests in the DatasourceExquiseExporter.dll plugin which can be manipulated to execute arbitrary programs through the insecure communication channel. When the Recognition Update Client Service processes JSON data from the named pipe, it loads and executes plugin components from a directory that is writable by lower-privileged users. This directory traversal vulnerability allows an attacker to replace legitimate DLL files with malicious ones that execute with the elevated privileges of the Recognition Update Client Service. The service runs under the NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM context, which represents the highest privilege level in Windows systems, making this privilege escalation particularly dangerous. The vulnerability is classified as a privilege escalation issue under CWE-269, specifically related to improper privilege management and insecure plugin loading mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows attackers to gain SYSTEM-level privileges on the affected system without requiring authentication or prior access. This creates a significant security risk for organizations using the CloudCTI HIP Integrator, particularly those handling sensitive customer data. The attack vector is relatively straightforward since the insecure named pipe communication channel provides an accessible entry point for exploitation. Once the privilege escalation is achieved, attackers can perform actions such as modifying system files, installing malware, accessing sensitive data, or creating backdoors. The vulnerability affects systems where the Recognition Update Client Service is running with elevated privileges and where the plugin directory is writable by unprivileged users, which is a common configuration in enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies should focus on securing the communication channel between the configuration tool and the Recognition Update Client Service by implementing proper authentication and encryption mechanisms. The named pipe communication should be configured with appropriate security descriptors and access controls to prevent unauthorized data injection. Additionally, the directory containing the plugin DLL files should be secured with restrictive permissions, ensuring that only authorized users or processes can modify these components. Implementing code integrity checks and digital signatures for all plugin modules would prevent the execution of unauthorized code. The system should also be configured to run the Recognition Update Client Service with the minimum required privileges rather than SYSTEM level access. Organizations should implement regular security assessments and monitoring of the plugin directory for unauthorized modifications, aligning with the principles of least privilege and defense in depth as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques.