CVE-2023-32474 in Display Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 02/06/2024
Dell Display Manager application, version 2.1.1.17 and prior, contain an insecure operation on windows junction/mount point. A local malicious user could potentially exploit this vulnerability during installation leading to arbitrary folder or file deletion
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-32474 affects Dell Display Manager application version 2.1.1.17 and earlier, presenting a critical security risk through an insecure operation involving Windows junction points or mount points. This flaw exists within the application's installation process, creating a pathway for local attackers to exploit the system. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of file system operations during software deployment, specifically when creating or modifying junction points that serve as symbolic links to directories. Such operations are fundamental to Windows file system management and enable the creation of directory structures that can redirect file access to different locations. The insecure implementation allows a malicious local user to manipulate these junction points during installation, potentially leading to unauthorized deletion of folders or files within the system.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions and insecure operations on file system objects. The flaw represents a privilege escalation opportunity within the local system context, where a user with minimal privileges can leverage the installation process to gain enhanced control over system resources. The operational impact extends beyond simple file deletion, as the manipulation of junction points can potentially disrupt system stability, compromise data integrity, and provide attackers with persistent access mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious installation packages or by injecting code during the normal installation flow, taking advantage of the application's failure to properly validate or secure junction point creation operations. The vulnerability specifically targets the Windows file system's junction point functionality, which allows for creating symbolic links that can redirect file system access to alternative locations, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple users may have access to the system.
The exploitation of CVE-2023-32474 falls under ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves local privilege escalation through the exploitation of system vulnerabilities, and T1547.001, which covers registry run keys and startup folder modifications. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector where attackers can establish malicious junction points that survive system reboots, potentially providing them with continued access to system resources. The installation process represents a critical attack surface where the application's lack of proper security controls during file system operations creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the system's directory structure. Organizations running affected Dell Display Manager versions face significant risk of data loss, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it operates at the system level during installation, making it difficult to detect and remediate without complete application removal and reinstallation. This flaw demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in system-level applications and highlights the necessity of proper file system permission controls during software installation processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-32474 should include immediate upgrade to Dell Display Manager version 2.1.2.0 or later, which contains the necessary security patches to address the insecure junction point operations. System administrators should implement strict access controls and monitor installation processes for unauthorized modifications to junction points or mount points. The principle of least privilege should be enforced, limiting user permissions during installation processes to prevent malicious manipulation of system file structures. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security audits of installed applications and their file system operations, particularly focusing on junction point and symbolic link usage. Network segmentation and endpoint protection solutions should be deployed to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure software development practices, particularly in applications that interact with system-level file operations. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar insecure operations within other system applications, ensuring comprehensive protection against privilege escalation attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized installation of vulnerable software versions.