CVE-2022-24618 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides details about CVE-2022-24618, a vulnerability found in Heimdal Premium Security software.

Understanding CVE-2022-24618

This section delves into the impact and technical details of the CVE-2022-24618 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2022-24618?

The Heimdal.Wizard.exe installer in Heimdal Premium Security 2.5.395 and earlier versions is affected by insecure permissions. This allows unprivileged local users to escalate privileges to SYSTEM by utilizing the "Browse For Folder" window accessible through a triggered "Repair" on the MSI package located in C:\Windows\Installer.

The Impact of CVE-2022-24618

The vulnerability enables unauthorized local users to elevate their privileges to gain control of the affected system, potentially leading to unauthorized access and malicious activities.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-24618

This section provides insights into the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The insecure permissions in the Heimdal.Wizard.exe installer facilitate privilege escalation to SYSTEM, presenting a significant security risk on affected systems.

Affected Systems and Versions

Heimdal Premium Security versions 2.5.395 and earlier are confirmed to be impacted by this vulnerability, warranting immediate attention from users and administrators.

Exploitation Mechanism

By triggering the "Repair" option on the MSI package within C:\Windows\Installer, unprivileged local users can exploit the insecure permissions to gain elevated privileges to SYSTEM.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines key steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2022-24618 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply security updates released by Heimdal Security promptly to address the vulnerability and prevent unauthorized privilege escalation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security practices, such as least privilege access, regular security audits, and user awareness training, can enhance overall system security and mitigate similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates and patches from Heimdal Security to ensure the software is up-to-date with the latest security enhancements, reducing the likelihood of successful exploitation.