CVE-2023-37537 in AppScan on Cloud
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
An unquoted service path vulnerability in HCL AppScan Presence, deployed as a Windows service in HCL AppScan on Cloud (ASoC), may allow a local attacker to gain elevated privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-37537 represents a critical security flaw in HCL AppScan Presence software that operates as a Windows service within the HCL AppScan on Cloud environment. This issue stems from improper handling of service paths during installation, creating a potential privilege escalation vector that could be exploited by local attackers. The vulnerability specifically affects the Windows service component of the application scan presence functionality that monitors and reports on application security status.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the unquoted service path configuration where the service executable path contains spaces but lacks proper quotation marks around the path specification. When Windows attempts to execute the service, it searches for executables in the specified path and all parent directories, potentially allowing an attacker to place a malicious executable with the same name as a component in the path. This behavior aligns with CWE-428, which describes the vulnerability of unquoted service paths in Windows systems. The flaw enables attackers to insert malicious code that will execute with the privileges of the service account, typically SYSTEM level privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides local attackers with a straightforward path to privilege escalation without requiring external network access or complex exploitation techniques. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability affects environments where HCL AppScan Presence is deployed as a Windows service, particularly in enterprise settings where application security monitoring is critical. This makes it an attractive target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access within corporate networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-37537 should focus on immediate service path correction and system hardening measures. Organizations should ensure that all service paths are properly quoted during installation, preventing the exploitation of directory traversal behaviors. System administrators should conduct thorough inventory checks to identify all affected services and correct their path specifications. Additionally, implementing least privilege principles for service accounts and regular security assessments can help reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through service misconfigurations, making it important for defenders to monitor service configurations and maintain updated security baselines. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for suspicious service execution patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts.