CVE-2019-11396 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability in Avira Free Security Suite 10 allows unauthorized users to gain SYSTEM privileges by exploiting access permissions on the SoftwareUpdater folder.

Understanding CVE-2019-11396

This CVE identifies a security issue in Avira Free Security Suite 10 that can lead to unauthorized privilege escalation on Windows systems.

What is CVE-2019-11396?

The vulnerability arises from inappropriate access permissions on the SoftwareUpdater folder, enabling unauthorized users to manipulate files and gain elevated privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2019-11396

Exploiting this vulnerability can allow an unauthorized user to create files that grant SYSTEM privileges, potentially compromising the security of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-11396

This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The permissive access rights on the SoftwareUpdater folder are incompatible with the privileged file operations of the product, enabling the creation of exploitable files.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Avira Free Security Suite 10
Vendor: Avira
Versions: All versions are affected

Exploitation Mechanism

Unauthorized users can exploit the creation of the SwuConfig.json file to replace files with symbolic links, granting SYSTEM privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from this vulnerability requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Avira Free Security Suite to the latest version.
Restrict access permissions on critical system folders.
Monitor file creation and access activities for suspicious behavior.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access rights.
Regularly audit and review access controls on sensitive system folders.
Educate users on safe computing practices to prevent unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Avira has released patches addressing this vulnerability. Ensure timely installation of updates to mitigate the risk of exploitation.