CVE-2020-6023 in ZoneAlarm
Summary
by MITRE
Check Point ZoneAlarm before version 15.8.139.18543 allows a local actor to escalate privileges while restoring files in Anti-Ransomware.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-6023 affects Check Point ZoneAlarm security software prior to version 15.8.139.18543, presenting a critical local privilege escalation risk during Anti-Ransomware file restoration operations. This flaw enables malicious actors with local system access to elevate their privileges and gain administrative control over affected systems. The vulnerability specifically manifests within the Anti-Ransomware module's file restoration functionality, where improper privilege handling creates an exploitable condition for local attackers.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate privilege validation and access control mechanisms within the ZoneAlarm software's restoration process. When the Anti-Ransomware component attempts to restore files, it fails to properly verify the privileges of the executing user context, allowing local users to manipulate the restoration process and subsequently escalate their privileges. This represents a classic privilege escalation flaw that aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privilege management in software applications. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in the principle of least privilege, where the system does not adequately restrict the capabilities of lower-privilege users during sensitive operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise security environments where ZoneAlarm is deployed. Local attackers who have already gained access to a system through other means can leverage this flaw to obtain administrative privileges, potentially enabling them to install malware, modify system configurations, or exfiltrate sensitive data. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise as the elevated privileges could facilitate lateral movement within networks and persistence establishment. Security operations teams face increased risk of undetected compromise, as the privilege escalation occurs within legitimate security software processes, making detection more challenging.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires local system access, making it less accessible than remote attacks but still highly concerning given that local access is often achievable through various initial compromise vectors such as phishing attacks, credential theft, or physical access. Attackers can leverage this flaw to bypass traditional security controls that rely on standard user privileges, effectively undermining the security posture of systems running vulnerable versions of ZoneAlarm. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in environments where security software is installed with elevated privileges, as it creates a direct path for privilege escalation within the security tool itself.
Organizations should immediately update to Check Point ZoneAlarm version 15.8.139.18543 or later to remediate this vulnerability. System administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory checks to identify all affected systems and prioritize patching efforts. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and privilege management controls can help limit the potential impact of local privilege escalation attacks. Monitoring for suspicious file restoration activities within ZoneAlarm logs should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation, underscores the need for comprehensive monitoring and response capabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege policies and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other security software components.