CVE-2024-0353 in NOD32 Antivirus
Summary
by MITRE • 02/15/2024
Local privilege escalation vulnerability potentially allowed an attacker to misuse ESET’s file operations to delete files without having proper permission.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-0353 represents a critical local privilege escalation flaw within ESET's security software ecosystem that fundamentally undermines the integrity of file access controls. This vulnerability specifically targets the file operation mechanisms implemented by ESET products, creating a pathway for unauthorized users to execute destructive actions that should normally be restricted to privileged accounts. The flaw exists in the underlying file system interaction components that govern how ESET processes handle file deletion operations, effectively allowing malicious actors to bypass standard permission checks and execute unauthorized file removals. Such a vulnerability is particularly concerning given ESET's widespread deployment across enterprise environments where it serves as a primary security control, making the potential impact of this flaw significant for organizations relying on its protection services.
Technical exploitation of CVE-2024-0353 leverages a specific weakness in the privilege validation mechanisms within ESET's file handling routines, where insufficient input sanitization and access control validation allows attackers to manipulate file operation parameters. The vulnerability manifests when the software processes attempt to validate file permissions during deletion operations, failing to properly enforce the principle of least privilege that should restrict file manipulation to authorized users only. This flaw typically occurs in the context of user-mode processes that interface with kernel-level file systems, creating a potential attack surface where unprivileged users can craft malicious inputs that trigger the vulnerable code path. The technical implementation involves improper validation of file access tokens and insufficient verification of user credentials during file operation execution, resulting in a bypass of standard operating system security controls that normally prevent unauthorized file modifications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file deletion capabilities, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of systems running ESET software by creating persistent backdoors for attackers to escalate their privileges and maintain persistent access. Organizations utilizing ESET products face significant risk of unauthorized data destruction, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to remove critical security files or manipulate system components. The vulnerability's local nature means that exploitation requires only local system access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical access or initial compromise is achieved through other means. This flaw can be exploited by adversaries who have already gained a foothold on a system through phishing, social engineering, or other initial compromise techniques, allowing them to escalate privileges and eliminate forensic evidence or security controls. The potential for abuse includes complete system compromise where attackers can delete security logs, remove security software components, or manipulate system files to maintain persistence.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-0353 should prioritize immediate patching of affected ESET software versions, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation of the privilege escalation mechanism. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for unauthorized file deletion activities, particularly focusing on security-related files and system components that may be targeted by attackers exploiting this vulnerability. Network segmentation and least privilege access controls should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, ensuring that even if an attacker gains local access, they cannot easily escalate privileges or access critical system resources. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control in software systems, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through system binary manipulation. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems running vulnerable ESET versions and implement additional monitoring controls to detect anomalous file deletion patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and patch management procedures should be strengthened to ensure timely remediation of similar vulnerabilities that may exist within the broader security software ecosystem.