CVE-2024-7248 in Internet Security Pro
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2024
Comodo Internet Security Pro Directory Traversal Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Comodo Internet Security Pro. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the update mechanism. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied path prior to using it in file operations. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-19055.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2024
The CVE-2024-7248 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within Comodo Internet Security Pro that enables local privilege escalation attacks. This vulnerability resides in the software's update mechanism and demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation processes. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes user-supplied paths without adequate sanitization or validation before performing file operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious path inputs that bypass normal security boundaries, ultimately allowing them to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM-level privileges.
This vulnerability operates under the broader context of privilege escalation attacks and directly relates to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. The issue stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied input within the update functionality, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate file access operations. The vulnerability requires an initial foothold through low-privileged code execution, which aligns with common attack methodologies where adversaries first gain limited access before escalating their privileges. The attack vector leverages the update mechanism as a trusted execution path that lacks proper input sanitization controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows local attackers to achieve SYSTEM-level privileges, effectively compromising the entire system. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the highest possible privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack requires an initial compromise to execute low-privileged code, but once the vulnerability is exploited, the attacker gains unrestricted access to system resources, files, and processes. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users may have limited access but could potentially exploit this weakness to gain administrative control.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization within the update mechanism. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied paths undergo rigorous validation before any file operations are performed. The implementation should include absolute path validation, directory traversal detection, and proper access control enforcement. Security controls should follow ATT&CK technique T1068, which addresses local privilege escalation, by implementing proper privilege separation and input validation. System administrators should also consider applying vendor patches immediately upon release, as this vulnerability likely affects multiple versions of the software. Additionally, monitoring for unusual file access patterns and update operations can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly in system components that handle user-supplied data and perform privileged operations.