CVE-2020-16268 : Security Advisory and Response

1E Client versions 4.1.0.267 and 5.0.0.745 are vulnerable to a privilege escalation issue via the MSI installer repair option.

Understanding CVE-2020-16268

What is CVE-2020-16268?

The vulnerability in the MSI installer of 1E Client allows both remote authenticated and local users to elevate their privileges by exploiting the repair option.

The Impact of CVE-2020-16268

The vulnerability enables attackers to gain elevated privileges on systems where the Nomad module installation is disabled, potentially leading to unauthorized registry key modifications.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-16268

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in 1E Client versions 4.1.0.267 and 5.0.0.745 permits users to escalate their privileges through the repair function, posing a security risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: 1E Client
Vendor: 1E
Versions: 4.1.0.267, 5.0.0.745

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can create a malicious .reg file in a specific location to write to any registry key as an elevated user.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor-supplied patches promptly to address the vulnerability.
Monitor system registry changes for any unauthorized modifications.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user permissions.
Conduct security awareness training to educate users on potential threats.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates and patches from 1E to mitigate the CVE-2020-16268 vulnerability.