CVE-2023-28068 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-28068, a vulnerability found in Dell Command Monitor (DCM) versions 10.9 and prior that could potentially lead to privilege escalation by a local authenticated malicious user.

Understanding CVE-2023-28068

CVE-2023-28068 is an improper folder permission vulnerability identified in Dell Command Monitor (DCM), affecting versions 10.9 and earlier. By exploiting this vulnerability, a local authenticated malicious user can gain escalated privileges by writing to a protected directory when Dell Command Monitor is installed in a non-default path.

What is CVE-2023-28068?

The vulnerability in Dell Command Monitor allows a local authenticated malicious user to manipulate folder permissions and write to a protected directory, ultimately leading to privilege escalation within the system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28068

With a CVSS base score of 7.3 out of 10 (High severity), this vulnerability poses a significant risk to affected systems. The availability, confidentiality, and integrity of the system are all at high risk, with low privileges required for exploitation and user interaction being necessary.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28068

The following technical details provide insight into the vulnerability, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper folder permissions in Dell Command Monitor versions 10.9 and earlier. A local authenticated malicious user can exploit this security flaw to gain escalated privileges by writing to a protected directory.

Affected Systems and Versions

Dell Command Monitor (DCM) versions 10.9 and prior are impacted by this vulnerability. Users with these versions installed, especially in non-default paths, are at risk of privilege escalation if exploited by a malicious local user.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-28068, a local authenticated user must take advantage of the improper folder permissions within Dell Command Monitor. By writing to a protected directory in a non-default path, the user can escalate their privileges within the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2023-28068 involves taking immediate and long-term security measures, including patching and updating affected software.

Immediate Steps to Take

Ensure that Dell Command Monitor (DCM) is updated to a version that includes a fix for this vulnerability.
Monitor system activity and restrict access to critical directories to authorized users only.
Regularly review and adjust folder permissions to prevent unauthorized write access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address any potential weaknesses.
Educate users on safe computing practices and the importance of maintaining updated software.
Consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for any suspicious activity that may indicate exploitation of vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Dell has released a security advisory (DSA-2023-133) that provides guidance on addressing CVE-2023-28068. It is crucial for users to apply the recommended patches and updates promptly to mitigate the risk of privilege escalation.

For more detailed information on mitigation steps and vulnerability details, refer to the Dell support advisory linked here.