CVE-2024-42440 in Workplace Desktop App
Summary
by MITRE • 08/14/2024
Improper privilege management in the installer for Zoom Workplace Desktop App for macOS, Zoom Meeting SDK for macOS and Zoom Rooms Client for macOS before 6.1.5 may allow a privileged user to conduct an escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-42440 represents a critical privilege management flaw within the installation processes of multiple Zoom client applications for macOS platforms. This issue affects the Zoom Workplace Desktop App, Zoom Meeting SDK for macOS, and Zoom Rooms Client for macOS versions prior to 6.1.5, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on these applications. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of privilege levels during the installation and execution phases of these software components, which can be exploited by malicious actors with local access to the affected systems.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the installer's failure to properly enforce privilege boundaries and access controls. When these Zoom applications are installed or updated on macOS systems, the installer components do not adequately validate or restrict the privileges granted to various system processes. This flaw allows a privileged user who already has local access to the system to manipulate the installation process and escalate their privileges to higher system levels. The issue manifests through improper privilege separation where the installer does not correctly implement the principle of least privilege, enabling unauthorized elevation of access rights. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-276, which addresses improper permissions for privileges, and specifically relates to CWE-732, which covers inadequate protection of system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-42440 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, potentially enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources and data. An attacker with local access could exploit this vulnerability to install malicious software, modify system configurations, or access confidential information stored on the affected systems. The risk is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Zoom applications are widely deployed, as it could provide a foothold for more extensive attacks. The vulnerability creates an attack surface that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting local privileges to escalate access, and T1548.1, which covers privilege escalation through abuse of system permissions. Organizations using these Zoom applications face potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to communication channels that could affect both personal and corporate security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-42440 require immediate action from system administrators and security teams. The primary recommendation is to upgrade all affected Zoom applications to version 6.1.5 or later, which includes the necessary patches to address the privilege management issues. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all systems are updated promptly. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any systems that may still be running affected versions. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual privilege escalation activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should also review and tighten local access controls, implementing multi-factor authentication and least privilege principles for all user accounts. The remediation process should include verifying the integrity of installed applications through checksum validation and ensuring that no unauthorized modifications have occurred. Regular security audits of installed software components are essential to maintain ongoing protection against similar vulnerabilities in the future.