CVE-2020-15838 : Security Advisory and Response

ConnectWise Automate before 2020.8 is vulnerable to Privilege Escalation due to weak permissions in the Agent Update System.

Understanding CVE-2020-15838

The vulnerability in ConnectWise Automate allows attackers to escalate privileges by exploiting weak permissions in the _LTUPDATE folder.

What is CVE-2020-15838?

The Agent Update System in ConnectWise Automate before version 2020.8 is susceptible to Privilege Escalation due to inadequate folder permissions.

The Impact of CVE-2020-15838

This vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to elevate their privileges within the system, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-15838

ConnectWise Automate's vulnerability to Privilege Escalation is a critical security issue that requires immediate attention.

Vulnerability Description

The weak permissions in the _LTUPDATE folder of ConnectWise Automate before 2020.8 create a security gap that allows unauthorized users to escalate their privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: ConnectWise Automate
Versions affected: Before 2020.8

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by manipulating the weak permissions in the _LTUPDATE folder to gain elevated privileges within the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2020-15838.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update ConnectWise Automate to version 2020.8 or later to mitigate the Privilege Escalation vulnerability.
Regularly review and adjust folder permissions to ensure proper access control.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security audits and assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities promptly.
Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access and minimize the impact of potential security breaches.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security bulletins and updates from ConnectWise to apply patches and fixes promptly.