CVE-2020-27228 in OpenClinic GA
Summary
by MITRE • 04/13/2021
An incorrect default permissions vulnerability exists in the installation functionality of OpenClinic GA 5.173.3. Overwriting the binary can result in privilege escalation. An attacker can replace a file to exploit this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-27228 represents a critical security flaw within the OpenClinic GA 5.173.3 software installation process, specifically targeting default permission configurations that create exploitable conditions for privilege escalation attacks. This issue falls under the broader category of insecure default configurations as classified by CWE-258, where software applications fail to implement proper security measures during installation, leaving systems vulnerable to malicious exploitation. The vulnerability stems from the installation functionality's failure to establish appropriate file permissions, creating opportunities for unauthorized users to manipulate system components and elevate their privileges within the application environment.
The technical implementation of this flaw manifests through improper default permissions assigned to critical installation files and directories within the OpenClinic GA 5.173.3 deployment structure. When the application installs or updates components, it fails to properly restrict write access to binary files and system resources, allowing local users or attackers with limited privileges to overwrite executable components. This misconfiguration creates a path for privilege escalation where an attacker can substitute legitimate binaries with malicious counterparts, effectively gaining elevated system privileges. The vulnerability specifically targets the installation process, which is a critical attack surface according to the ATT&CK framework under the T1068 technique for privilege escalation through local exploitation of system vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to potentially compromise the entire OpenClinic system and underlying infrastructure. Once an attacker successfully overwrites a binary component, they can execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The implications are particularly severe in healthcare environments where OpenClinic GA is deployed, as these systems often contain sensitive patient data and medical records. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise and can be automated, making it attractive to threat actors seeking persistent access to healthcare systems. This flaw directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can undermine the integrity of the entire healthcare information system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-27228 should focus on immediate remediation through proper permission configuration and access control implementation. Organizations should ensure that all installation directories and binary files are protected with restrictive permissions, typically limiting write access to administrators only. The software should be updated to the latest version that addresses this specific vulnerability, as vendors typically release patches that correct default permission configurations. Security hardening procedures should include regular permission audits and monitoring for unauthorized file modifications. Additionally, implementing file integrity monitoring solutions can help detect unauthorized binary replacements, while network segmentation can limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security assessments to identify similar misconfigurations within their healthcare IT infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper permission management in healthcare applications where system integrity directly impacts patient safety and data security.