CVE-2022-42972 in APC Easy UPS Online
Summary
by MITRE • 02/01/2023
A CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource vulnerability exists that could cause local privilege escalation when a local attacker modifies the webroot directory. Affected Products: APC Easy UPS Online Monitoring Software (Windows 7, 10, 11 & Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022 - Versions prior to V2.5-GA), APC Easy UPS Online Monitoring Software (Windows 11, Windows Server 2019, 2022 - Versions prior to V2.5-GA-01-22261), Schneider Electric Easy UPS Online Monitoring Software (Windows 7, 10, 11 & Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022 - Versions prior to V2.5-GS), Schneider Electric Easy UPS Online Monitoring Software (Windows 11, Windows Server 2019, 2022 - Versions prior to V2.5-GS-01-22261)
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2023
The vulnerability described represents a critical security flaw classified as CWE-732, which occurs when improper permission assignments are applied to critical system resources. This specific weakness manifests within monitoring software solutions from APC and Schneider Electric, affecting various Windows operating systems including Windows 7, 10, 11, and their respective server versions up to Windows Server 2022. The flaw enables local attackers to escalate privileges by manipulating the webroot directory, which serves as the primary content delivery location for the monitoring applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate access control mechanisms within the software installation and runtime environments. When these monitoring applications are installed on affected systems, they fail to properly establish secure permission structures for their webroot directories. This misconfiguration allows local users with standard privileges to modify critical application files and directories that should only be accessible to administrators or system processes. The improper permission assignment creates a pathway for attackers to gain elevated privileges through routine file system modifications.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to enterprise environments where these monitoring tools are deployed. Local attackers who can access systems running vulnerable versions of the software can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code with higher privileges than initially granted. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal expertise and can be executed from within the local network or even from physical access points. Once exploited, attackers could potentially modify configuration files, inject malicious content into web applications, or establish persistent access mechanisms that compromise system integrity and availability.
The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as this vulnerability aligns with several tactics outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this weakness to maintain long-term access to compromised systems while avoiding detection through legitimate administrative channels. The vulnerability affects both APC and Schneider Electric monitoring solutions, indicating a broader industry issue with permission management in power management software. Organizations should consider implementing comprehensive patch management programs that prioritize updates for these specific monitoring applications.
Mitigation strategies must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The primary recommendation involves upgrading all affected systems to the latest available versions of the monitoring software, specifically targeting the mentioned release versions that contain proper permission assignments. System administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any remaining installations of vulnerable software and implement strict access controls for webroot directories. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing mandatory access controls through Windows security policies and regular auditing procedures to detect unauthorized modifications to critical application directories. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing of updated software in controlled environments before full deployment across production systems to ensure continued functionality and security effectiveness.