CVE-2023-29081 in InstallShield
Summary
by MITRE • 01/26/2024
A vulnerability has been reported in Suite Setups built with versions prior to InstallShield 2023 R2. This vulnerability may allow locally authenticated users to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) condition when handling move operations on local, temporary folders.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-29081 affects Suite Setups created using InstallShield versions prior to 2023 R2, representing a significant security concern for software deployment environments. This issue specifically targets the handling of move operations within local temporary folders during installation processes, creating potential for service disruption that impacts system availability and user experience. The vulnerability exists within the installation framework's file management mechanisms, where improper handling of temporary file operations can lead to system instability.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when locally authenticated users interact with installation packages that utilize affected InstallShield versions. The flaw manifests during move operations on temporary folders, where the installation process fails to properly manage file system operations, resulting in denial of service conditions. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper handling of file system operations and can be classified as a weakness in software design that allows for service disruption. The issue demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-400, which addresses "Uncontrolled Resource Consumption" and CWE-770, dealing with "Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling" in the context of temporary file handling.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-29081 extends beyond simple service interruption, potentially affecting enterprise deployment scenarios where multiple installations occur simultaneously. When exploited, this vulnerability can cause installation processes to hang or terminate unexpectedly, leading to failed deployments and requiring manual intervention to restore system functionality. Organizations relying on Suite Setups for software distribution may experience cascading failures during large-scale rollouts, particularly in environments where automated deployment tools interact with affected installation packages. The local authentication requirement means that exploitation typically requires access to the target system, but this still represents a significant risk in environments where privileged access may be compromised or where insider threats exist.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on upgrading affected InstallShield versions to 2023 R2 or later, which incorporates fixes for the temporary file handling operations. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all Suite Setups created with vulnerable versions and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. System administrators should implement monitoring protocols to detect unusual installation behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around temporary file operations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date installation frameworks and following secure coding practices in deployment tools. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving privilege escalation and denial of service, potentially enabling adversaries to disrupt system availability. Security teams should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit local authentication privileges, reducing the attack surface for this type of exploitation. Regular security assessments of installation packages and deployment environments remain critical for early detection and prevention of similar vulnerabilities in software distribution frameworks.