CVE-2022-0997 in Network and Deception
Summary
by MITRE • 05/18/2022
Improper file permissions in the CommandPost, Collector, and Sensor components of Fidelis Network and Deception enables an attacker with local, administrative access to the CLI to modify affected script files, which could result in arbitrary commands being run as root upon subsequent logon by a root user. The vulnerability is present in Fidelis Network and Deception versions prior to 9.4.5. Patches and updates are available to address this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-0997 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw affecting Fidelis Network and Deception security platforms. This weakness stems from improper file permissions within the CommandPost, Collector, and Sensor components of the software suite, creating a dangerous attack surface for local administrators who possess command-line interface access. The vulnerability specifically targets systems running versions prior to 9.4.5, making older deployments particularly susceptible to exploitation. The flaw exploits fundamental security principles by allowing attackers to manipulate critical script files that execute with elevated privileges, thereby creating a pathway for persistent unauthorized access and command execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the misconfiguration of file permissions within the affected components, which enables local administrative users to modify script files that are designed to execute with root privileges. When a root user subsequently logs into the system, these compromised scripts execute with elevated privileges, allowing the attacker to run arbitrary commands as the root user. This represents a classic privilege escalation vector where local administrative access is leveraged to achieve root-level compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-732 - Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resources, which specifically addresses improper permissions that allow unauthorized access to critical system components. The attack chain demonstrates how insufficient access control mechanisms can be exploited to bypass security boundaries and achieve unauthorized system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-0997 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access to compromised systems. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows for complete system compromise with root-level privileges, potentially enabling data exfiltration, system modification, or the installation of additional malicious components. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only local administrative access to the command-line interface, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by insiders or attackers who have already gained local access through other means. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, where attackers use system vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges. The persistent nature of the compromise means that even after initial exploitation, the attacker maintains access through subsequent root logons, creating a long-term security threat.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to Fidelis Network and Deception versions 9.4.5 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the improper file permissions. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of file permissions within the CommandPost, Collector, and Sensor components to identify any remaining insecure configurations. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper access control implementation and privilege separation in security systems. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring for suspicious file modification activities and establish regular security assessments to identify similar permission misconfigurations. The remediation process should include verification that script files maintain appropriate permissions and that no unauthorized modifications have occurred. Security teams should also consider implementing privileged access management solutions to limit local administrative access and reduce the attack surface for similar vulnerabilities.