CVE-2019-12808 : Security Advisory and Response

ALTOOLS Update Service version 18.1 and earlier versions contain a vulnerability that allows local privilege escalation through insecure permissions.

Understanding CVE-2019-12808

The ALTOOLS update service vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with system privileges.

What is CVE-2019-12808?

The vulnerability in ALTOOLS Update Service version 18.1 and prior allows attackers to escalate privileges locally by exploiting insecure permissions.

The Impact of CVE-2019-12808

Attackers can overwrite an executable running as a service, leading to the execution of arbitrary code with system privileges.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-12808

The technical aspects of the vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from insecure permissions in the ALTOOLS Update Service.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: ALTOOLS Update Service
Vendor: ESTSOFT
Affected Version: 18.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the insecure permissions to overwrite a service executable and execute malicious code with elevated privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2019-12808 with the following measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update ALTOOLS Update Service to a patched version.
Monitor system executables for unauthorized changes.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict access.
Regularly audit and review permissions on critical system files.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates promptly to mitigate known vulnerabilities.