CVE-2023-49647 in Desktop Client
Summary
by MITRE • 01/13/2024
Improper access control in Zoom Desktop Client for Windows, Zoom VDI Client for Windows, and Zoom SDKs for Windows before version 5.16.10 may allow an authenticated user to conduct an escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/20/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical access control flaw affecting multiple Zoom client applications and software development kits for windows platforms. The issue stems from insufficient privilege validation mechanisms that allow authenticated users with local system access to escalate their privileges beyond intended boundaries. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions prior to 51610 of the zoom desktop client for windows zoom vdi client for windows and zoom sdks for windows. This represents a significant security gap that could enable malicious actors or compromised users to gain elevated system privileges through local access vectors.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves improper validation of user permissions and access controls within the zoom applications. When users authenticate to the zoom client applications they are granted specific privilege levels based on their authentication status. However the vulnerable code fails to properly enforce privilege boundaries when local access is utilized, allowing authenticated users to bypass normal access control restrictions. This misconfiguration enables privilege escalation through local system interactions that should be restricted to administrative or elevated user accounts. The flaw operates at the application level where proper privilege separation mechanisms are not adequately enforced, creating a pathway for unauthorized privilege elevation.
From an operational standpoint this vulnerability poses substantial risks to organizations relying on zoom client applications for video conferencing and collaboration. The local privilege escalation capability means that any authenticated user with access to the local system could potentially gain administrative privileges, allowing them to access sensitive data, modify system configurations, or install malicious software. This is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where multiple users may have legitimate access to zoom client applications but should not possess elevated system privileges. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise to potential network-wide escalation if compromised systems serve as entry points for broader attacks. Organizations using these vulnerable versions face increased risk of data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to confidential information.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including immediate deployment of zoom client versions 51610 and later which contain the necessary access control fixes. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all affected systems and ensure proper patch management processes are in place. Additional mitigations include implementing strict user access controls, monitoring for unauthorized privilege escalation attempts, and conducting regular security audits of zoom client installations. The vulnerability aligns with cwe-284 which specifically addresses improper access control and may also relate to attack techniques categorized under privilege escalation in the attack tactics and techniques framework. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as application whitelisting, restricted user accounts, and enhanced monitoring of system access patterns to reduce the attack surface and detect potential exploitation attempts.