CVE-2020-1985 in Secdo
Summary
by MITRE
Incorrect Default Permissions on C:\Programdata\Secdo\Logs folder in Secdo allows local authenticated users to overwrite system files and gain escalated privileges. This issue affects all versions Secdo for Windows.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-1985 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Secdo Windows application ecosystem. This security weakness stems from improper default permissions assigned to the C:\ProgramData\Secdo\Logs directory structure, creating a persistent attack surface that adversaries can exploit to gain elevated system privileges. The issue affects all versions of Secdo for Windows, indicating a fundamental design flaw that has remained unaddressed across the entire product lifecycle. The vulnerability specifically targets the Windows file system permissions model, where the default configuration fails to properly restrict write access to system-critical directories, allowing authenticated local users to manipulate files within this location.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves leveraging the weak default permissions to overwrite system files within the Secdo logs directory. This misconfiguration enables attackers to place malicious executables or modify existing system binaries with elevated privileges, effectively bypassing standard user access controls. The flaw operates at the file system level where the default security settings do not adequately restrict write permissions for the logs folder, creating a scenario where local authenticated users can modify system-critical files. This issue directly maps to CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for critical system resources, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves the exploitation of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrite capabilities, as it provides attackers with a persistent mechanism for privilege escalation that can be maintained across system reboots. Once an authenticated user gains access to the system, they can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify system binaries, or establish persistence mechanisms that operate with elevated privileges. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only local authenticated access, meaning that any user with legitimate system access could potentially exploit this weakness. This creates a significant risk for environments where user accounts may be compromised or where insider threats exist, as the vulnerability provides a straightforward path to system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-1985 should focus on immediate permission adjustments to the C:\ProgramData\Secdo\Logs directory, ensuring that only authorized system processes can write to this location. Security administrators should implement proper access control lists that restrict write permissions to the specific service accounts that require access while removing write privileges from general user accounts. The recommended remediation includes applying the latest security patches from the vendor, if available, or manually adjusting directory permissions to align with security best practices. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized modifications to system directories and establish regular permission audits to ensure that default configurations remain secure. Additionally, system hardening procedures should be implemented to ensure that all application directories follow the principle of least privilege, preventing unauthorized access to critical system resources. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper security configuration management and highlights the need for regular security assessments of installed applications to identify and remediate similar permission-related weaknesses.