CVE-2023-32179:VIPRE Antivirus Plus contains a local privilege escalation vulnerability in the FPQuarTransfer method that allows attackers to delete arbitrary files through symbolic link abuse.

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CVE-2023-32179 affects VIPRE Antivirus Plus and involves a local privilege escalation vulnerability in the FPQuarTransfer method. The vulnerability allows local attackers with low-privileged code execution capabilities to create symbolic links that can be abused to delete arbitrary files. By exploiting this vulnerability, attackers can escalate privileges to SYSTEM level and execute arbitrary code with elevated permissions. This vulnerability was reported through the Zero Day Initiative as ZDI-CAN-19397 and later published as ZDI-23-759.

Overview

This vulnerability in VIPRE Antivirus Plus stems from improper validation of symbolic links in the FPQuarTransfer method. When the application processes certain operations, it fails to properly check for symbolic links, which creates a security weakness. An attacker with local access and the ability to run low-privileged code can create a symbolic link pointing to sensitive system files. When the vulnerable method is triggered, it follows the symbolic link and deletes the target file, which could be a critical system file. This file deletion capability can be leveraged as part of a privilege escalation chain to gain SYSTEM-level access on the affected system.

Remediation

Users of VIPRE Antivirus Plus should update to the patched version released on May 30, 2023, as indicated in the vendor's release notes. System administrators should:

  1. Apply the security update provided by VIPRE immediately
  2. Implement the principle of least privilege for all user accounts
  3. Monitor systems for suspicious activities, particularly attempts to create symbolic links
  4. Consider implementing additional security controls to detect and prevent symbolic link attacks
  5. Regularly review system logs for unauthorized privilege escalation attempts

References

  1. VIPRE Release Notes (May 30, 2023): https://success.vipre.com/en_US/antivirus-plus-release-notes/home-plus-release-notes-20230530
  2. Zero Day Initiative Advisory ZDI-23-759: https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-23-759/
  3. MITRE CVE-2023-32179: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-32179

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

Focus on What Matters

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

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