CVE-2023-0392 in LDAP Agent
Summary
by MITRE • 11/08/2023
The LDAP Agent Update service with versions prior to 5.18 used an unquoted path, which could allow arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-0392 affects the LDAP Agent Update service versions prior to 5.18, presenting a critical security risk through an unquoted service path configuration. This flaw represents a classic privilege escalation vector that exploits the Windows service installation process and path resolution mechanisms. When a service is installed without proper quotation of its executable path, the operating system attempts to resolve the path by searching through each directory component in sequence, potentially executing malicious code placed in a directory along the path. The vulnerability specifically resides in the service installation configuration where the executable path contains spaces but lacks proper quotation, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to place malicious executables in directories such as C:\Program Files\, C:\Program Files (x86)\, or other parent directories of the intended service location.
This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-428, which specifically addresses "Unquoted Search Path or Element" and maps directly to the ATT&CK technique T1036.005 for "Masquerading" and T1543.003 for "Create or Modify System Process: Windows Service". The attack vector requires local user access to the system, as the attacker must have the ability to install or modify files in the service path directories. The operational impact is significant since the service typically runs with elevated privileges, potentially allowing an attacker to achieve SYSTEM level access. When an attacker places a malicious executable in a directory that appears before the legitimate service path in the search order, the system will execute the malicious file instead of the intended service binary. This creates a persistent backdoor that can be used for privilege escalation, lateral movement, and maintaining access to compromised systems.
The exploitation process involves identifying the vulnerable service installation path, locating a directory in the search path that is writable by the attacker, and placing a malicious executable with the same name as the legitimate service. The service installation process typically occurs during system boot or service installation, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can persist across reboots. The service path resolution mechanism in Windows treats unquoted paths as a security risk because it allows for path injection attacks, where an attacker can manipulate the execution flow by placing malicious binaries in directories that appear earlier in the system path. Organizations should immediately patch their systems to version 5.18 or later, which properly quotes the service paths during installation, eliminating the possibility of path injection attacks. Additional mitigations include implementing strict file system permissions, monitoring service installations, and conducting regular security audits to identify other services with similar path configuration issues. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and service installation procedures that properly quote all executable paths to prevent similar issues in other applications and services.