CVE-2018-10170 : What You Need to Know

A vulnerability has been identified in NordVPN 6.12.7.0 for Windows that allows for SYSTEM privilege escalation through the "nordvpn-service" service.

Understanding CVE-2018-10170

This CVE involves a privilege escalation vulnerability in NordVPN for Windows that can be exploited by an attacker to execute code under the SYSTEM user's context.

What is CVE-2018-10170?

The vulnerability in NordVPN 6.12.7.0 for Windows allows an attacker to manipulate the OpenVPN command line through the "nordvpn-service" service, leading to SYSTEM privilege escalation.

The Impact of CVE-2018-10170

The exploitation of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized access and control over the affected system, potentially leading to further compromise and data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-10170

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The "nordvpn-service" service in NordVPN for Windows creates a NetNamedPipe endpoint that enables any installed application to connect and access publicly available methods. By exploiting the "Connect" method, an attacker can execute code under the SYSTEM user's context.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: NordVPN 6.12.7.0 for Windows
Vendor: NordVPN
Version: 6.12.7.0

Exploitation Mechanism

The attacker can specify a dynamic library plugin to run whenever a new VPN connection attempt is made, allowing them to execute code in the context of the SYSTEM user.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-10170 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable the affected service or apply vendor-supplied patches immediately.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities.
Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and applications.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.
Educate users on cybersecurity best practices to prevent social engineering attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by NordVPN promptly to address the vulnerability and prevent exploitation.