CVE-2023-22947 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE involves insecure folder permissions in the Windows installation path of Shibboleth Service Provider (SP) before version 3.4.1, allowing an unprivileged local attacker to escalate privileges to SYSTEM via DLL planting in the service executable's folder. The installation path going under C:\opt (instead of C:\Program Files) by default leads to this vulnerability. The vendor has disputed the significance of this report, claiming it as a documentation mistake.

Understanding CVE-2023-22947

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-22947, explaining the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-22947?

The CVE-2023-22947 vulnerability involves insecure folder permissions in the Windows installation path of Shibboleth Service Provider (SP) before version 3.4.1. It allows an unprivileged local attacker to escalate privileges to SYSTEM through DLL planting in the service executable's folder.

The Impact of CVE-2023-22947

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables an attacker with local access to escalate privileges to SYSTEM, potentially leading to unauthorized control and manipulation of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-22947

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-22947, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from insecure folder permissions in the Windows installation path of the Shibboleth Service Provider (SP) before version 3.4.1, allowing for DLL planting and privilege escalation by an unprivileged local attacker.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Shibboleth Service Provider (SP) installations before version 3.4.1 running on Windows operating systems. The default installation path under C:\opt is particularly susceptible to this exploit.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging insecure folder permissions to plant malicious DLL files in the service executable's folder, enabling privilege escalation to SYSTEM level.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we will discuss the steps that can be taken to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-22947 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Consider updating the Shibboleth Service Provider (SP) to version 3.4.1 or newer to address the insecure folder permissions.
Implement strict access control measures and ensure proper permissions are set for sensitive directories.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update access control settings to mitigate future vulnerabilities related to insecure folder permissions.
Conduct security audits and assessments to identify and address any potential security weaknesses in the system.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and advisories from the Shibboleth project to promptly apply patches that address known vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security posture of the system.