CVE-2019-7651 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

In versions of Emsisoft Anti-Malware before 2018.12, a vulnerability in EPP.sys allows attackers to bypass ACLs, leading to potential security risks. This vulnerability has been addressed in version 2018.12 and later.

Understanding CVE-2019-7651

What is CVE-2019-7651?

EPP.sys in Emsisoft Anti-Malware prior to version 2018.12 is susceptible to a security flaw that enables attackers to circumvent ACLs, potentially resulting in unauthorized access and object manipulation.

The Impact of CVE-2019-7651

The vulnerability in EPP.sys could allow malicious actors to bypass Access Control Lists (ACLs), leading to unauthorized impersonation or object creation within the affected device.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-7651

Vulnerability Description

The absence of FILE_DEVICE_SECURE_OPEN in the Interpreted Device Characteristics of EPP.sys in Emsisoft Anti-Malware versions before 2018.12 results in inadequate protection for files and directories within the \.\EPP device, creating a security loophole.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Emsisoft Anti-Malware
Versions affected: Before 2018.12

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows attackers to bypass ACLs, potentially leading to unauthorized access and object manipulation within the \.\EPP device.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Emsisoft Anti-Malware to version 2018.12 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor security advisories and apply patches promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement least privilege access controls to limit potential damage from security breaches.
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all software and security solutions are regularly updated to the latest versions to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.