CVE-2023-3438 in Move
Summary
by MITRE • 07/03/2023
An unquoted Windows search path vulnerability existed in the install the MOVE 4.10.x and earlier Windows install service (mvagtsce.exe). The misconfiguration allowed an unauthorized local user to insert arbitrary code into the unquoted service path to obtain privilege escalation and stop antimalware services.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-3438 represents a critical security flaw in the MOVE 4.10.x Windows installation service component known as mvagtsce.exe. This issue stems from an improper configuration of the Windows service path that fails to properly quote the executable file location during the installation process. The flaw creates an exploitable condition where malicious actors can manipulate the service execution flow by placing malicious binaries in directories that are searched before the intended service executable. This misconfiguration directly violates security best practices for service installation and path handling in Windows environments, creating a dangerous attack surface for local privilege escalation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the exploitation of the Windows service search path mechanism where the operating system searches for executables in a specific order without proper path quoting. When mvagtsce.exe is installed without proper quotation of the service path, Windows will search through the directory structure and execute the first matching executable it finds, potentially allowing an attacker to place a malicious binary in a parent directory that will be executed before the legitimate service component. This behavior is classified under CWE-428 as an Unquoted Service Path vulnerability, which is a well-documented weakness in Windows service management that has been exploited in numerous security incidents. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where the service installation process does not properly handle path quoting, creating opportunities for attackers to inject code into the service execution chain.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to include potential system compromise and service disruption. An unauthorized local user who can access the system with low privileges can exploit this condition to elevate their privileges to SYSTEM level, effectively gaining complete control over the affected Windows system. The attack vector allows for the execution of arbitrary code within the context of the service, which can include stopping antimalware services, installing persistent backdoors, or executing other malicious payloads. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers Local Privilege Escalation, and T1566 which addresses Phishing, as attackers can leverage this condition to gain unauthorized access and maintain persistence. The ability to stop antimalware services represents a particularly dangerous aspect of this vulnerability as it can disable critical security protections and allow further exploitation without detection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-3438 should focus on immediate service path correction and comprehensive system hardening. Organizations must ensure that all Windows services are properly installed with quoted paths to prevent the exploitation of unquoted search paths. The recommended fix involves reinstalling the affected MOVE service with proper path quotation using the command line parameter that ensures the service path is enclosed in double quotes. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of all installed services to identify and correct similar unquoted path vulnerabilities across the enterprise environment. Security controls should include regular monitoring of service installations and path configurations, implementation of least privilege principles, and enforcement of Windows security policies that prevent unauthorized local user access. The vulnerability also emphasizes the importance of maintaining current software versions and applying security patches promptly, as newer versions of the MOVE software should have addressed this specific path handling issue. Network segmentation and access controls can provide additional defense in depth, limiting the potential impact of successful exploitation by restricting local user access to critical systems.