CVE-2023-28140 : What You Need to Know

This CVE details an Executable Hijacking vulnerability in the Qualys Cloud Agent for Windows platform in versions prior to 4.5.3.1. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability locally by loading a malicious copy of a Dependency Link Library (DLL) during the uninstallation process when processes are running with escalated privileges. This vulnerability is limited to the time of uninstallation and can only be exploited locally.

Understanding CVE-2023-28140

This section delves deeper into what CVE-2023-28140 entails, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-28140?

The CVE-2023-28140 vulnerability involves an executable hijacking issue in the Windows version of the Qualys Cloud Agent, allowing attackers to manipulate DLL loading during uninstallation with escalated privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28140

The impact of this vulnerability is categorized under CAPEC-471 (Search Order Hijacking) and CAPEC-234 (Hijacking a privileged process), marked as having a base severity score of 6.7 out of 10.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28140

This section provides a more in-depth look into the specifics of CVE-2023-28140.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Qualys Cloud Agent for Windows platform allows attackers to replace the expected DLL with a malicious one during uninstallation, potentially leading to the execution of arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

The issue affects Qualys Cloud Agent for Windows versions prior to 4.5.3.1, particularly when running with escalated privileges during the uninstallation process.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with local access can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the DLL loading process during the uninstallation of the Qualys Cloud Agent on affected Windows systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-28140, immediate steps should be taken to address the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to version 4.5.3.1 of the Qualys Cloud Agent for Windows to patch the vulnerability and mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed promptly.
Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict escalated privileges, reducing the attack surface for potential exploits.
Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to proactively identify and address security issues.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from vendors like Qualys to promptly apply patches and enhancements that address security vulnerabilities in software products.