CVE-2024-7252 in Internet Security Pro
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2024
Comodo Internet Security Pro cmdagent Link Following 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 cmdagent executable. By creating a symbolic link, an attacker can abuse the agent to delete a file. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-22831.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2024
The CVE-2024-7252 vulnerability represents a critical local privilege escalation flaw within Comodo Internet Security Pro's cmdagent component, demonstrating a fundamental security weakness that enables attackers to elevate their privileges from standard user level to SYSTEM level. This vulnerability operates through a carefully crafted symbolic link manipulation technique that exploits the trust relationships within the security software's architecture. The flaw specifically resides in the cmdagent executable which is designed to handle various system-level operations but fails to properly validate file operations when symbolic links are present in the execution path. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-59, which addresses improper handling of symbolic links, and represents a classic example of a privilege escalation attack vector that has been documented in numerous security assessments over the years. The attack requires an initial foothold through low-privileged code execution, which then provides the attacker with the necessary conditions to manipulate the cmdagent process and exploit its file deletion capabilities.
The technical exploitation mechanism involves the attacker creating a malicious symbolic link that points to a critical system file or directory, then triggering the cmdagent to perform operations that result in the deletion or modification of the targeted file. This process leverages the cmdagent's trust relationship with the operating system and its elevated privileges, allowing the attacker to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in input validation and file path resolution within the cmdagent component, where the system does not properly sanitize or verify the targets of file operations. This flaw directly impacts the principle of least privilege and represents a significant weakness in the security software's design. The exploitation process follows established patterns documented in various cybersecurity frameworks and has been categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as privilege escalation techniques, specifically leveraging Windows service manipulation and process injection methods that have been commonly observed in enterprise security breaches.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete system control and access to sensitive data stored within the compromised environment. Once escalated to SYSTEM level, attackers can manipulate system files, install persistent backdoors, exfiltrate confidential information, and potentially move laterally within the network to compromise additional systems. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal resources and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Comodo Internet Security Pro is widely deployed. Organizations running affected versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and regulatory compliance violations, as this vulnerability directly undermines the security posture that security software is designed to provide. The attack vector's simplicity and effectiveness make it a prime target for both automated exploitation tools and sophisticated threat actors seeking to establish persistent access within network environments. Security professionals must consider the broader implications of this vulnerability when assessing their overall security architecture and implementing compensating controls to protect against similar privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability's discovery and subsequent patching process highlights the importance of continuous security monitoring and vulnerability management programs, as it demonstrates how even security tools can contain exploitable flaws that create dangerous attack surfaces for adversaries.