CVE-2024-1618 in Deep Freeze Server Standard
Summary
by MITRE • 03/12/2024
A search path or unquoted item vulnerability in Faronics Deep Freeze Server Standard, which affects versions 8.30.020.4627 and earlier. This vulnerability affects the DFServ.exe file. An attacker with local user privileges could exploit this vulnerability to replace the legitimate DFServ.exe service executable with a malicious file of the same name and located in a directory that has a higher priority than the legitimate directory. Thus, when the service starts, it will run the malicious file instead of the legitimate executable, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code, gain unauthorized access to the compromised system or stop the service from running.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-1618 represents a critical search path or unquoted item vulnerability within Faronics Deep Freeze Server Standard software, specifically impacting versions 8.30.020.4627 and earlier. This flaw resides in the DFServ.exe service executable, which serves as the core component responsible for maintaining system integrity and freeze functionality within the Deep Freeze environment. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of executable paths during service startup, creating an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled code can be executed with elevated privileges. The issue manifests when the system searches for the DFServ.exe file through a series of directories without proper quotation of path elements, allowing for path traversal attacks that can be leveraged by local users with minimal privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a classic privilege escalation attack vector where an attacker places a malicious executable with the same name as the legitimate DFServ.exe file in a directory that appears earlier in the system's search path than the legitimate installation directory. This creates a race condition where the system's service loader inadvertently loads the malicious binary instead of the intended legitimate executable. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-428, which describes "Search Path Vulnerability" and is categorized under the broader ATT&CK technique T1068, "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." When the service restarts or is initiated, the malicious executable is loaded and executed with the privileges of the service account, typically SYSTEM level access, enabling the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the compromised system without requiring additional authentication or elevated privileges beyond local user access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the security model that Deep Freeze is designed to enforce. The attack allows for persistent backdoor establishment within the system, enabling attackers to maintain access even after system reboots, which directly contradicts Deep Freeze's primary security objective of maintaining system integrity. Additionally, the vulnerability can be used to disable or corrupt the legitimate service functionality, potentially leading to denial of service conditions that could affect business continuity. The compromised system becomes vulnerable to further exploitation, as the malicious code can be used to establish persistence mechanisms, escalate privileges further, or serve as a launching point for lateral movement within the network. This vulnerability undermines the trust model that organizations rely upon when implementing Deep Freeze as a security control, particularly in environments where system integrity and protection against unauthorized modifications are paramount.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-1618 should prioritize immediate patching of affected versions to the latest releases from Faronics, which contain corrected path handling mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict directory permissions and access controls to prevent unauthorized modifications to critical service directories, particularly those containing executables with high privilege requirements. The implementation of application whitelisting policies can provide additional defense layers by restricting execution of unauthorized binaries, while regular security audits should verify that no malicious files have been placed in vulnerable locations. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious service start activities or unexpected binary execution patterns. System administrators should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for service accounts and regularly review service configurations to ensure proper path resolution and avoid potential search path vulnerabilities. Additionally, continuous monitoring for unauthorized file modifications in critical system directories can help detect exploitation attempts before they succeed in establishing persistent access to the compromised systems.