CVE-2023-28068 in Command Monitor
Summary
by MITRE • 05/05/2023
Dell Command Monitor, versions 10.9 and prior, contains an improper folder permission vulnerability. A local authenticated malicious user can potentially exploit this vulnerability leading to privilege escalation by writing to a protected directory when Dell Command Monitor is installed to a non-default path
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-28068 affects Dell Command Monitor versions 10.9 and earlier, representing a critical improper folder permission flaw that undermines the security posture of affected systems. This vulnerability specifically targets installations configured to use non-default paths, creating an exploitable condition where local authenticated users can manipulate file permissions and gain elevated privileges. The flaw stems from inadequate access control mechanisms within the software's installation and runtime behavior, allowing malicious actors with legitimate user accounts to bypass intended security boundaries. When Dell Command Monitor is deployed outside of standard installation directories, the application fails to properly enforce directory permissions, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks that could compromise system integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through improper privilege management during the application's operation, where the software does not adequately validate or restrict write access to protected directories that are critical for system security. This weakness directly maps to CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploitation. The vulnerability exploits the fundamental principle of least privilege by allowing unauthorized write operations to directories that should remain protected from modification by non-privileged users. Attackers can leverage this condition to inject malicious code, modify system files, or alter the behavior of the monitoring application itself, potentially leading to persistent access or further system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-28068 extends beyond immediate privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to establish footholds within enterprise environments where Dell Command Monitor is deployed. This monitoring solution typically operates with elevated privileges to perform system administration tasks, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous when combined with the application's legitimate access rights. Organizations running affected versions of Dell Command Monitor face significant risk of lateral movement attacks, where an attacker who initially gains access through this vulnerability can leverage the elevated permissions to access additional system resources, potentially compromising sensitive data or disrupting business operations. The vulnerability's local nature means that exploitation requires only a valid user account, making it accessible to insiders or attackers who have already gained initial access to the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of Dell Command Monitor installations to versions that address the improper folder permission issue. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected systems and verify installation paths to determine which instances require immediate attention. Security teams must implement proper access control measures including regular permission audits, privilege reviews, and monitoring for unauthorized file modifications in protected directories. The remediation process should include verifying that Dell Command Monitor installations are configured to use standard installation paths where possible, as non-default installations significantly increase the attack surface. Additionally, organizations should implement network segmentation and monitoring controls to detect anomalous file system activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of proper folder permissions for all system monitoring applications to prevent similar issues from emerging in other security tools.