CVE-2023-39202 in Rooms Client
Summary
by MITRE • 11/15/2023
Untrusted search path in Zoom Rooms Client for Windows and Zoom VDI Client may allow a privileged user to conduct a denial of service via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-39202 represents a critical security flaw in Zoom Rooms Client for Windows and Zoom VDI Client applications that stems from improper handling of search paths during component loading. This issue specifically affects systems where privileged users can leverage local access to manipulate the application's execution environment. The flaw manifests when the client applications fail to properly validate or sanitize the paths used to locate and load required libraries or components, creating an avenue for exploitation that can be leveraged for denial of service attacks. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which directly relates to the improper handling of environmental variables and system paths that applications use to locate dependencies. This weakness enables attackers with local privileged access to manipulate the application's behavior by placing malicious components in directories that are searched before legitimate system locations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows a malicious user with local access to the system to manipulate the application's search path by placing specially crafted files or executables in directories that the Zoom client applications will prioritize during component loading. When the application attempts to load required libraries or modules, it follows a predetermined search order that may include user-controlled directories, potentially leading to the execution of malicious code or the disruption of legitimate application functionality. This flaw operates at the operating system level where applications rely on predefined search paths to locate dynamic link libraries and other required components, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local access is possible. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, as local access is sufficient to manipulate the search path, and the impact can result in complete service disruption or system instability.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-39202 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially compromise the overall security posture of organizations using Zoom client applications. When exploited, this vulnerability can cause the Zoom Rooms Client or Zoom VDI Client to crash or become unresponsive, effectively preventing users from accessing critical video conferencing functionality during important meetings or collaborative sessions. The vulnerability is particularly problematic in enterprise environments where these clients are widely deployed and critical to business operations. Organizations may experience significant productivity losses and potential security incidents when this vulnerability is exploited, as the denial of service can be used as a vector for more sophisticated attacks or as a means to disrupt business continuity. The attack surface is broad since local access is sufficient to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have local system access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-39202 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize applying vendor-provided patches and updates as soon as they become available, as these will contain the necessary fixes to address the untrusted search path vulnerability. System administrators should also implement proper access controls and privilege management to limit local access to systems running Zoom client applications, particularly in shared or multi-user environments. Additional security measures include implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict which executables can run on systems, monitoring for suspicious file creation or modification in system directories, and conducting regular security audits of application installations. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.001 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1548.002 Account Manipulation highlights the need for comprehensive monitoring and detection capabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify suspicious behavior patterns associated with path manipulation attacks, as well as establishing robust incident response procedures to quickly address any exploitation attempts. Regular security awareness training for system administrators and users can also help reduce the risk of local access being abused for exploitation purposes.