CVE-2023-0976 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record, assigned by trellix, was published on June 7, 2023. It highlights a Command Injection Vulnerability in the Trellix Agent for Mac operating systems before version 5.7.9. The vulnerability allows local users to insert a malicious file into a specific folder which gets executed when the Trellix Agent deployment feature is run.

Understanding CVE-2023-0976

This section delves deeper into the details surrounding CVE-2023-0976.

What is CVE-2023-0976?

CVE-2023-0976 is a Command Injection Vulnerability affecting the Trellix Agent software on Mac operating systems. Specifically, versions prior to 5.7.9 are susceptible to this security flaw.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0976

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as MEDIUM with a CVSS base score of 6.3. Exploiting this issue could lead to local users placing arbitrary files in critical system folders and running them through the deployment feature, potentially compromising system integrity and confidentiality.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0976

In this section, we explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-0976.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to a lack of proper input validation in the Trellix Agent software for Mac OS versions prior to 5.7.9. This allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands by placing malicious files in specific folders.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Trellix Agent software running on Mac OS versions earlier than 5.7.9. Systems with these versions are at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with local access to the system can exploit the vulnerability by inserting a malicious file into the /Library/Trellix/Agent/bin/ folder. Once the TA deployment feature is triggered, the malicious file gets executed, enabling unauthorized command injection.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2023-0976 requires immediate action to secure affected systems and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Trellix Agent software on Mac OS to version 5.7.9 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor system logs and user activities for any suspicious behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement least privilege access controls to limit the capabilities of local users and reduce the impact of potential breaches.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for software updates and patches from Trellix to ensure that the latest security enhancements are applied to the system. Keeping software up-to-date is crucial in preventing known vulnerabilities from being exploited.