CVE-2023-28133 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides insights into CVE-2023-28133, detailing the nature of the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-28133

CVE-2023-28133 points to a local privilege escalation vulnerability found in Check Point Endpoint Security Client, specifically affecting version E87.30. The exploit occurs through a maliciously crafted OpenSSL configuration file.

What is CVE-2023-28133?

The CVE-2023-28133 vulnerability refers to a local privilege escalation flaw in the Check Point Endpoint Security Client software. Attackers can leverage a specially constructed OpenSSL configuration file to elevate their privileges on the affected system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28133

If successfully exploited, the CVE-2023-28133 vulnerability can enable unauthorized users to escalate their privileges on the targeted system. This could lead to unauthorized access, the execution of malicious activities, and potential compromise of sensitive data.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28133

The technical aspects surrounding CVE-2023-28133 provide a deeper understanding of the vulnerability and how it can be exploited by threat actors.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from an incorrect permission assignment for a critical resource in the Check Point Endpoint Security Client software. By manipulating the OpenSSL configuration file, attackers can manipulate permissions and achieve privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts systems running Check Point Endpoint Security Client version E87.30. Specifically, versions E87.x before E81.31 are vulnerable to this local privilege escalation issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-28133, attackers need to craft a malicious OpenSSL configuration file and trick a user with the affected Check Point Endpoint Security Client version into loading it. Once loaded, the exploit can facilitate the unauthorized elevation of privileges on the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Addressing CVE-2023-28133 involves implementing immediate steps to mitigate the risk and adopting long-term security practices to enhance overall defense against similar vulnerabilities.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and organizations should update their Check Point Endpoint Security Client to version E81.31 or newer, where the vulnerability has been patched. Additionally, exercise caution when handling OpenSSL configuration files to avoid inadvertent privilege escalation.

Long-Term Security Practices

To bolster defense mechanisms, organizations should enforce least privilege principles, regularly update software and security patches, conduct thorough security assessments, and provide cybersecurity awareness training to employees to mitigate the risk of vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-28133.

Patching and Updates

Check Point has released a patch for CVE-2023-28133 in version E81.31 of their Endpoint Security Client. It is crucial for users to promptly install this update to mitigate the risk of local privilege escalation through the OpenSSL configuration file exploit.