CVE-2022-38176 in SAFEQ
Summary
by MITRE • 09/07/2022
An issue was discovered in YSoft SAFEQ 6 before 6.0.72. Incorrect privileges were configured as part of the installer package for the Client V3 services, allowing for local user privilege escalation by overwriting the executable file via an alternative data stream. NOTE: this is not the same as CVE-2021-31859.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-38176 affects YSoft SAFEQ 6 versions prior to 6.0.72 and represents a critical local privilege escalation flaw within the Client V3 services installation package. This issue stems from improper privilege configuration during the installation process, creating a pathway for malicious actors to elevate their system access rights from standard user level to administrative privileges. The vulnerability specifically exploits the installer package's handling of executable files and their associated permissions, allowing unauthorized modification of critical system components through alternative data streams.
The technical exploitation mechanism relies on the manipulation of file system attributes and stream handling within the Windows operating system environment. When the installer package configures the Client V3 services, it establishes incorrect privilege levels for certain executable files, particularly those associated with the print management and job processing components. Attackers can leverage this misconfiguration by overwriting the target executable file through alternative data streams, a technique that bypasses standard file permission checks and access controls. This approach allows the attacker to inject malicious code into the legitimate executable, effectively hijacking the service's execution context and gaining elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access to the compromised system while potentially gaining visibility into the organization's print infrastructure. Since the vulnerability affects the Client V3 services, it impacts the core functionality of print management systems that organizations rely upon for document processing and workflow automation. The exploitation process typically involves creating a malicious executable file with the same name as the target service executable, then using alternative data streams to bypass security controls and overwrite the legitimate file. Once executed, the malicious code runs with elevated privileges, potentially allowing attackers to modify system configurations, install additional malware, or access sensitive data processed through the print management system.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which describes improper file permissions, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through service manipulation. The issue demonstrates how installer package misconfigurations can create persistent security weaknesses that extend far beyond the immediate installation process. Organizations using YSoft SAFEQ 6 versions before 6.0.72 face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited by any local user, making it particularly dangerous in shared or multi-user environments where standard user accounts may have access to the system. The exploitation requires minimal technical expertise and can be automated, making it a preferred target for both malicious actors and red teams conducting security assessments.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate deployment of the YSoft SAFEQ 6.0.72 update, which addresses the privilege configuration issues within the installer package. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive audits of the print management infrastructure to identify any other potentially vulnerable services or components. Additional protective measures include implementing strict file permission controls on critical system directories, monitoring for unauthorized executable modifications, and ensuring that only trusted users have access to system installation and modification capabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for alternative data stream usage patterns that may indicate attempted exploitation of similar vulnerabilities.