CVE-2018-7311 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability has been found in PrivateVPN 2.0.31 for macOS that allows for the escalation of root privileges.

Understanding CVE-2018-7311

This CVE describes a root privilege escalation vulnerability in PrivateVPN 2.0.31 for macOS.

What is CVE-2018-7311?

The vulnerability in PrivateVPN 2.0.31 for macOS allows an attacker to execute code with root user privileges by replacing the openvpn binary used for establishing VPN connections.

The Impact of CVE-2018-7311

The vulnerability enables an attacker to run code with root user privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control over the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-7311

This section provides detailed technical information about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The software installs a privileged helper tool that runs as the root user and implements an XPC service.
The XPC service manages new VPN connections through the main PrivateVPN application.
The openvpn binary in the /Applications/PrivateVPN.app/Contents/Resources directory is used to establish VPN connections.
The binary can be replaced by the default user, allowing an attacker to substitute it with a malicious binary.
When a new VPN connection is initiated, the compromised binary is launched, granting the attacker root user privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: PrivateVPN 2.0.31 for macOS
Vendor: PrivateVPN
Versions: All versions are affected

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation involves replacing the openvpn binary with a malicious one, which is then executed when a new VPN connection is established.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-7311 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or uninstall PrivateVPN until a patch is available.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities.
Implement strict user privilege management.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches.
Conduct security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Contact the vendor for a patch or update to address the root privilege escalation vulnerability in PrivateVPN 2.0.31 for macOS.