CVE-2023-49147 in PDF24 Creator
Summary
by MITRE • 12/20/2023
An issue was discovered in PDF24 Creator 11.14.0. The configuration of the msi installer file was found to produce a visible cmd.exe window when using the repair function of msiexec.exe. This allows an unprivileged local attacker to use a chain of actions (e.g., an oplock on faxPrnInst.log) to open a SYSTEM cmd.exe.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-49147 resides within PDF24 Creator version 11.14.0 and represents a significant privilege escalation flaw stemming from improper installer configuration. This issue manifests when the msi installer file is executed with the repair function through msiexec.exe, creating a visible command prompt window that exposes system-level access to local attackers. The flaw operates through a chain of exploitation techniques that leverage Windows file system operations and process execution mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically targets the installer's configuration where the repair functionality fails to properly manage execution contexts, resulting in elevated privileges being granted to the executing process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) and file locking mechanisms to achieve privilege escalation. When the repair function executes, it creates a visible cmd.exe window that operates with elevated privileges, allowing attackers to leverage this exposure to gain SYSTEM-level access. The exploit chain begins with an unprivileged user creating an oplock on the faxPrnInst.log file, which serves as a critical attack vector for establishing the necessary conditions for privilege escalation. This approach aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the execution of processes with elevated privileges through installer manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-49147 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete system control through the command prompt interface. The visible cmd.exe window serves as both an execution vehicle and a potential detection point, though the underlying privilege escalation mechanism remains undetected by standard security monitoring. This vulnerability affects systems where PDF24 Creator is installed and where users have local access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where local user accounts exist. The flaw demonstrates poor security hygiene in installer design, where proper privilege management and execution context isolation were not implemented during the software deployment process.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate exploitation vectors and the underlying installer configuration issues. System administrators should immediately disable the repair functionality of the PDF24 Creator installer until a patched version is available, and implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized local execution. The Windows Defender Application Control policies should be configured to restrict execution of msiexec.exe with repair parameters, while monitoring for suspicious cmd.exe processes with elevated privileges. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive audits of all installed software to identify similar installer configuration issues that may present similar privilege escalation opportunities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and proper privilege separation in installer design, as outlined in CWE-276, which addresses improper privilege management in software installations. Organizations should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous execution patterns involving installer repair functions and elevated command prompt usage.