CVE-2019-19954 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Signal Desktop before version 1.29.1 on Windows is vulnerable to an elevation of privileges issue that can be exploited by local users. The vulnerability allows attackers to gain elevated privileges by creating a malicious file on the system.

Understanding CVE-2019-19954

Signal Desktop on Windows versions prior to 1.29.1 is susceptible to a local privilege escalation vulnerability.

What is CVE-2019-19954?

CVE-2019-19954 is a security vulnerability in Signal Desktop that enables local users to escalate their privileges by planting a malicious file on the system.

The Impact of CVE-2019-19954

The vulnerability in Signal Desktop for Windows versions before 1.29.1 allows local users to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to a complete system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-19954

Signal Desktop CVE-2019-19954 involves the following technical aspects:

Vulnerability Description

Local users can exploit an elevation of privileges vulnerability in Signal Desktop on Windows versions prior to 1.29.1 by creating a malicious file named %SYSTEMDRIVE%\node_modules.bin\wmic.exe.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Signal Desktop
Vendor: N/A
Versions Affected: All versions prior to 1.29.1

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by creating a specific malicious file in a particular directory, allowing local users to gain elevated privileges on the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-19954, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Signal Desktop to version 1.29.1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Avoid running the application with high privileges.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and review file system changes and permissions.
Educate users on safe computing practices to prevent unauthorized file execution.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates promptly to ensure the latest security fixes are in place.