CVE-2017-16928 : Security Advisory and Response

Arq (5.10 and earlier) for Mac contains a vulnerability in the arq_updater binary that allows local users to write to any files on the system, potentially leading to root privilege escalation.

Understanding CVE-2017-16928

In previous versions of Arq for Mac, a specific vulnerability in the arq_updater binary poses a security risk.

What is CVE-2017-16928?

The arq_updater binary in Arq 5.10 and earlier for Mac enables local users to write to arbitrary files, potentially resulting in gaining root privileges through a specially crafted update URL.

The Impact of CVE-2017-16928

The vulnerability could be exploited by local users to write to any files on the system, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control over the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-16928

Arq (5.10 and earlier) for Mac is affected by this vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The arq_updater binary in Arq 5.10 and earlier for Mac allows local users to write to arbitrary files and gain root privileges via a crafted update URL.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Arq
Vendor: N/A
Versions: 5.10 and earlier

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by local users utilizing a specially crafted update URL, such as file:///tmp/blah/Arq.zip.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Arq to the latest version to patch the vulnerability.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to ensure the latest security patches are in place.
Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access and permissions.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all systems running Arq are updated to the latest version to mitigate the risk of exploitation.