CVE-2018-6947 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

NoMachine versions 6.0.66_2 and earlier contain a vulnerability that allows a user with low privileges on Windows 7 to elevate their privileges and cause a denial of service on Windows 8 and 10.

Understanding CVE-2018-6947

NoMachine software versions 6.0.66_2 and earlier are affected by a security flaw that can be exploited by attackers to escalate privileges on Windows 7 and disrupt services on Windows 8 and 10.

What is CVE-2018-6947?

The vulnerability in NoMachine versions 6.0.66_2 and earlier stems from an uninitialized stack variable in the nxfuse component of the Open Source DokanFS library. This flaw allows users with limited privileges on Windows 7 to elevate their permissions and can lead to a denial of service on Windows 8 and 10.

The Impact of CVE-2018-6947

Exploiting this vulnerability can result in unauthorized elevation of privileges for users on Windows 7 and cause a denial of service on Windows 8 and 10. Attackers with low privileges can exploit this flaw to gain elevated access rights.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-6947

NoMachine versions 6.0.66_2 and earlier are susceptible to a security issue that can be leveraged by attackers to escalate privileges and disrupt services on different Windows operating systems.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from an uninitialized stack variable in the nxfuse component of the Open Source DokanFS library bundled with NoMachine versions 6.0.66_2 and earlier. This flaw enables users with low privileges on Windows 7 to elevate their permissions and can lead to a denial of service on Windows 8 and 10.

Affected Systems and Versions

NoMachine versions 6.0.66_2 and earlier
Windows 7 (32 and 64-bit)
Windows 8 and 10

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with low privileges on Windows 7 can exploit the uninitialized stack variable to elevate their permissions.
The same vulnerability can be used to cause a denial of service on Windows 8 and 10.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-6947, users and organizations should take immediate steps and implement long-term security practices to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update NoMachine software to the latest version that includes a patch for CVE-2018-6947.
Monitor system logs for any unusual activities that may indicate exploitation attempts.
Restrict user privileges to minimize the impact of potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches promptly.
Conduct security training for users to raise awareness about potential threats and best practices.
Implement network segmentation to contain and isolate potential security breaches.

Patching and Updates

NoMachine has released patches to address CVE-2018-6947. Ensure all affected systems are updated with the latest software versions containing the necessary fixes.