CVE-2020-7004 in VBASE Editor
Summary
by MITRE
VISAM VBASE Editor version 11.5.0.2 and VBASE Web-Remote Module may allow weak or insecure permissions on the VBASE directory resulting in elevation of privileges or malicious effects on the system the next time a privileged user runs the application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7004 affects VISAM VBASE Editor version 11.5.0.2 and the VBASE Web-Remote Module, presenting a critical security weakness related to inadequate permission controls within the VBASE directory. This flaw stems from the application's failure to properly enforce secure access controls, creating an environment where unauthorized modifications can occur. The vulnerability falls under the category of insecure permissions as defined by CWE-732, which specifically addresses inadequate permissions for critical resources. The root cause lies in the application's default configuration that fails to establish proper file system permissions, allowing potentially malicious actors to manipulate system resources through the VBASE directory structure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a privileged user executes the VBASE application, as the insecure directory permissions persist across application sessions. This creates a persistent threat vector where an attacker can modify or inject malicious code into the VBASE directory, which will then execute with the privileges of the next user who runs the application. The attack pattern aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers the use of privileges to elevate access rights, and T1546, which addresses the persistence mechanism through modifications to application execution flows. The vulnerability represents a privilege escalation risk that leverages the principle of least privilege violation, where the application fails to properly restrict access to its own directory structure.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-7004 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables potential system compromise through persistent malicious modifications. When a privileged user runs the VBASE application, any modifications made to the VBASE directory during the attacker's control period will execute with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability affects organizations using VISAM VBASE Editor in environments where multiple users have access to the same system, particularly in industrial control systems or enterprise environments where VBASE applications are commonly deployed. The risk is amplified in scenarios where the VBASE application is frequently executed by system administrators or other privileged users, as each execution provides an opportunity for the malicious code to be loaded and executed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-7004 must address the fundamental permission issues within the VBASE directory structure. Organizations should immediately implement proper file system permissions that restrict write access to the VBASE directory to only authorized users and processes. This includes setting appropriate ownership and access control lists that prevent unauthorized modifications while maintaining legitimate application functionality. The solution should incorporate the principle of least privilege, ensuring that the VBASE directory permissions are restricted to prevent any user from modifying critical application files. System administrators should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized changes to the VBASE directory structure. Additionally, organizations should review and update their patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of vendor-provided security updates for VISAM VBASE products. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to verify that proper permissions are maintained across all system components while preserving legitimate application functionality and user access requirements.