CVE-2021-22682 in Cscape
Summary
by MITRE • 04/24/2021
Cscape (All versions prior to 9.90 SP4) is configured by default to be installed for all users, which allows full permissions, including read/write access. This may allow unprivileged users to modify the binaries and configuration files and lead to local privilege escalation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-22682 affects Cscape software versions prior to 9.90 SP4, representing a critical security flaw in the software installation configuration that directly impacts system integrity and access controls. This issue stems from the default installation behavior where the application is configured to run with full permissions for all users on the system, creating an inherent security weakness that violates fundamental principles of least privilege and access control.
The technical flaw manifests through improper permission assignment during the software installation process, where Cscape is granted read/write access rights to critical system components and binaries. This misconfiguration allows any user account on the system to modify core application files and configuration settings, effectively eliminating the security boundaries that should normally separate user-level access from system-level operations. The vulnerability specifically enables unprivileged users to manipulate the application's executable files, configuration parameters, and potentially inject malicious code that can persist across system reboots and user sessions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant local privilege escalation vector that can be exploited by attackers who gain initial access through other means. Once an attacker has a low-privilege account, they can leverage this flaw to modify Cscape binaries and potentially escalate their privileges to system administrator level. The impact extends beyond simple file modification as the attacker can alter configuration files to redirect application behavior, create backdoors, or establish persistent access points within the compromised system. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple users share systems and administrative privileges are not strictly enforced.
The security implications of CVE-2021-22682 align with CWE-276, which addresses improper permissions and access control mechanisms, and specifically relates to CWE-732, which deals with incorrect permissions for critical resources. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1068, which covers local privilege escalation techniques, and potentially T1547, which addresses registry run keys and startup folder modifications that could be leveraged through the modified configuration files. The vulnerability also represents a failure in the principle of least privilege enforcement, where software should not be granted unnecessary permissions that exceed its operational requirements.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to Cscape version 9.90 SP4 or later, which addresses the permission configuration flaw through proper access control implementation. Additional protective measures include conducting comprehensive system audits to identify any existing modifications to Cscape files, implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict unauthorized binary modifications, and reviewing user access controls to ensure that only authorized personnel have administrative privileges on systems running Cscape. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized modifications to critical application files and configuration settings. Regular vulnerability assessments should be performed to identify similar permission misconfigurations in other software installations, and system administrators should enforce mandatory access control policies that prevent unauthorized users from modifying system-critical applications.