CVE-2020-10656 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Proofpoint Insider Threat Management Server (formerly ObserveIT Server) before 7.9.1 is vulnerable to an exploit that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with local administrator privileges due to improper deserialization.

Understanding CVE-2020-10656

This CVE identifies a critical vulnerability in the ITM application server's WriteWindowMouseWithChunksV2 API.

What is CVE-2020-10656?

The vulnerability in the ITM application server's API allows anonymous remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with local administrator privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2020-10656

The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized execution of code with elevated privileges, posing a significant security risk to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-10656

Proofpoint Insider Threat Management Server is susceptible to the following:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper deserialization in the ITM application server's WriteWindowMouseWithChunksV2 API.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Proofpoint Insider Threat Management Server (formerly ObserveIT Server)
Version: Before 7.9.1

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows remote attackers to exploit the WriteWindowMouseWithChunksV2 API to execute arbitrary code with local administrator privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate action to secure systems vulnerable to CVE-2020-10656:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the latest security patches provided by Proofpoint.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities.
Educate users on best practices for identifying and reporting security incidents.

Patching and Updates

Regularly update and patch the Proofpoint Insider Threat Management Server to mitigate the vulnerability and enhance system security.