CVE-2023-32479 in Encryption
Summary
by MITRE • 02/06/2024
Dell Encryption, Dell Endpoint Security Suite Enterprise, and Dell Security Management Server versions prior to 11.9.0 contain privilege escalation vulnerability due to improper ACL of the non-default installation directory. A local malicious user could potentially exploit this vulnerability by replacing binaries in installed directory and taking reverse shell of the system leading to Privilege Escalation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/01/2024
This vulnerability affects Dell Encryption, Dell Endpoint Security Suite Enterprise, and Dell Security Management Server products across multiple versions prior to 11.9.0. The core issue stems from inadequate access control list implementation within the software installation directories, creating a dangerous privilege escalation pathway for local attackers. The flaw resides in the improper permissions assigned to non-default installation locations, which allows unauthorized users to manipulate critical system components through binary replacement techniques. This represents a significant security weakness that directly violates the principle of least privilege and proper access control mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves a malicious local user leveraging the weak access controls to substitute legitimate binaries with malicious counterparts within the installation directory. Once the replacement occurs, the attacker can execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability enables a reverse shell execution capability, which allows attackers to establish persistent command and control channels. This type of attack vector falls under the attack pattern category of privilege escalation as defined by the ATT&CK framework, specifically mapping to techniques involving exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain elevated system privileges. The CWE identifier for this vulnerability would be CWE-276, which addresses improper permissions and access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates a persistent backdoor mechanism for attackers to maintain access to compromised systems. Local attackers with minimal privileges can leverage this weakness to achieve system-level control, potentially accessing sensitive data, modifying system configurations, or using the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system installation level, making it difficult to detect through traditional endpoint protection mechanisms. The security implications include potential data breaches, system integrity compromise, and unauthorized access to enterprise environments where these Dell security products are deployed.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of all affected Dell products to version 11.9.0 or later, which addresses the improper access control implementation. Organizations must also conduct thorough security audits of installation directories to verify proper access controls and permissions. System administrators should implement regular monitoring of critical installation directories for unauthorized modifications and establish robust change management procedures. The remediation process should include verifying that all installation directories have appropriate access controls, ensuring that only authorized system processes and administrators can modify critical components. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing principle of least privilege policies and regularly review access control configurations to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other software components.