CVE-2021-38420 in DIALink
Summary
by MITRE • 11/04/2021
Delta Electronics DIALink versions 1.2.4.0 and prior default permissions give extensive permissions to low-privileged user accounts, which may allow an attacker to modify the installation directory and upload malicious files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-38420 affects Delta Electronics DIALink software versions 1.2.4.0 and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw related to improper access control mechanisms. This issue stems from the application's default configuration where low-privileged user accounts are granted excessive permissions that should typically be restricted to administrative or system-level users. The flaw creates a privilege escalation vector that significantly undermines the security posture of systems running affected software versions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the software's permission model where standard user accounts inherit permissions that exceed their legitimate operational requirements. This misconfiguration allows unauthorized users to manipulate core system components including installation directories and file upload mechanisms. The default permissions structure fails to properly enforce the principle of least privilege, enabling attackers to gain elevated capabilities through legitimate user accounts that should not possess such extensive access rights.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for organizations deploying Delta Electronics DIALink software. Attackers exploiting this weakness can potentially upload malicious files to system directories, modify critical installation components, and ultimately compromise the integrity of the entire software ecosystem. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides a foothold for further attacks including potential persistence mechanisms and lateral movement within network environments. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where multiple users may have access to systems running the affected software.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privilege management and inadequate access control mechanisms. It also maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and T1547.001, covering 'Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder' for potential persistence mechanisms. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of DIALink software, reviewing and restricting default user permissions, implementing strict access controls, and monitoring for unauthorized file modifications or uploads. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of all affected systems and consider network segmentation to limit potential attack surfaces. The remediation process should include validating that default permissions have been properly configured and that no low-privileged accounts retain unnecessary elevated privileges.