CVE-2020-28175:Local privilege escalation vulnerability in SpeedFan 4.52 allows attackers to elevate privileges through constructed programs.

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Description Preview

A local privilege escalation vulnerability exists in Alfredo Milani Comparetti SpeedFan version 4.52. This security flaw allows local attackers to execute malicious code with elevated privileges by using specially constructed programs that exploit the vulnerability. The issue stems from improper access controls in the application, which can be leveraged to gain higher system privileges than intended, potentially leading to complete system compromise.

Overview

SpeedFan is a hardware monitoring program that can access temperature sensors, change fan speeds, and monitor voltages. The vulnerability in version 4.52 allows a local attacker to escalate privileges on the affected system. This is particularly concerning as SpeedFan runs with system-level privileges to access hardware components, but fails to properly restrict how these privileges can be accessed by other processes or users. An attacker with limited access to a system can exploit this vulnerability to gain administrative privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information, installation of malware, or complete system compromise.

Remediation

To mitigate this vulnerability, users should:

  1. Update to a newer version of SpeedFan if one becomes available with security patches
  2. If no patch is available, consider uninstalling SpeedFan or restricting its use to only trusted environments
  3. Implement the principle of least privilege for all user accounts on systems where SpeedFan is installed
  4. Monitor system activities for suspicious behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts
  5. Consider using alternative hardware monitoring software that does not have known security vulnerabilities

References

  1. Official SpeedFan website: http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php
  2. CVE-2020-28175 GitHub repository with details: https://github.com/y5s5k5/CVE-2020-28175
  3. Exploit proof-of-concept: https://github.com/y5s5k5/exp/blob/main/exp
  4. MITRE CVE entry: CVE-2020-28175

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  2. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  3. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  4. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  5. Construction
    Construction
  6. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  7. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  8. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  9. Information
    Information
  10. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  11. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  12. Mining
    Mining
  13. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  14. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  15. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  16. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  17. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  18. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  19. Utilities
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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