CVE-2020-7869 in ZOOK
Summary
by MITRE • 06/29/2021
An improper input validation vulnerability of ZOOK software (remote administration tool) could allow a remote attacker to create arbitrary file. The ZOOK viewer has the "Tight file CMD" function to create file. An attacker could create and execute arbitrary file in the ZOOK agent program using "Tight file CMD" without authority.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2021
The CVE-2020-7869 vulnerability represents a critical improper input validation flaw within ZOOK software, a remote administration tool that enables remote system access and control. This vulnerability specifically targets the Tight file CMD function within the ZOOK viewer component, which is designed to facilitate file creation operations. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied input parameters that are processed by the Tight file CMD functionality, creating a pathway for unauthorized remote code execution through arbitrary file creation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the ZOOK agent program processes file creation commands through the Tight file CMD function without adequate sanitization of input data. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input parameters that bypass authentication mechanisms and authorization checks. The vulnerability essentially allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to inject and execute arbitrary files on systems running the vulnerable ZOOK agent software, fundamentally undermining the security model of the remote administration tool. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability where the attacker gains unauthorized access to system resources through a legitimate function that should be restricted.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-7869 is severe and far-reaching within enterprise environments that utilize ZOOK for remote system management. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access to target systems, deploy malware, or conduct further reconnaissance activities without requiring valid credentials. The vulnerability affects the core security assumptions of the remote administration tool, as it allows attackers to circumvent the intended authorization controls that should prevent unauthorized file operations. This weakness enables attackers to potentially compromise entire network segments if the ZOOK agent is deployed across multiple systems, creating a vector for lateral movement and privilege escalation attacks.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a fundamental weakness in software security. The attack pattern follows the principles outlined in the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1078.004 for "Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts" when such vulnerabilities are exploited in enterprise environments. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching the vulnerable ZOOK software to the latest version that addresses the input validation flaw, restricting network access to ZOOK services, and implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of exploitation. Additionally, monitoring for unusual file creation patterns and implementing strict access controls for the Tight file CMD functionality would provide defense-in-depth measures against this specific vulnerability.