CVE-2020-25593 in True Image
Summary
by MITRE • 07/15/2021
Acronis True Image through 2021 on macOS allows local privilege escalation from admin to root due to insecure folder permissions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-25593 affects Acronis True Image versions up to 2021 on macOS operating systems, representing a critical local privilege escalation flaw that enables administrative users to gain root-level access. This issue stems from improper folder permissions within the application's installation structure, creating a pathway for unauthorized privilege elevation that directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and access control. The vulnerability specifically targets the macOS environment where administrative users possess elevated privileges but should not automatically translate to root access without proper authentication mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the application's installation directory and associated components that are configured with overly permissive access controls. When Acronis True Image is installed on macOS systems, certain folders and executable components are created with world-writable permissions or are accessible to non-root users in ways that should not be permitted. Attackers can exploit this by manipulating files within these insecure directories to either replace legitimate binaries with malicious equivalents or directly execute code with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources, and represents a classic case of insecure file permissions leading to privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-25593 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it fundamentally undermines the security model of macOS systems. Once an attacker achieves administrative access through this vulnerability, they can execute arbitrary code with root privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This includes the ability to modify system files, install persistent backdoors, access encrypted data, and bypass other security controls such as Gatekeeper and System Integrity Protection. The vulnerability affects any macOS system running the affected version of Acronis True Image, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where multiple users may have administrative accounts. The attack vector is straightforward and requires minimal skill, as it relies on exploiting existing insecure permissions rather than complex exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from system administrators to address the underlying permission issues within the Acronis True Image installation. The most effective approach involves either updating to a patched version of the software that resolves the insecure folder permissions or manually correcting the permissions on the affected directories to restrict access appropriately. Security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of all installed software to identify similar permission issues across their environment. Organizations should also implement monitoring for unauthorized changes to critical system directories and establish regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper software installation practices and the necessity of following security best practices for access control and privilege management. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through insecure permissions, specifically mapping to the T1068 technique for exploiting vulnerabilities in software components. System administrators should also consider implementing additional controls such as automated patch management systems and security configuration baselines to prevent similar issues from occurring in other software installations.