CVE-2011-5044

Source: cve@mitre.org

HIGH
7.2
Published: December 30, 2011 at 07:55 PM
Modified: April 11, 2025 at 12:51 AM

Vulnerability Description

SopCast 3.4.7.45585 uses weak permissions (Everyone:Full Control) for Diagnose.exe, which allows local users to execute arbitrary code by replacing Diagnose.exe with a Trojan horse program.

CVSS Metrics

Base Score
7.2
Severity
HIGH
Vector String
AV:L/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C

Weaknesses (CWE)

Source: nvd@nist.gov

AI Security Analysis

01 // Technical Summary

SopCast 3.4.7.45585 suffers from a critical local privilege escalation vulnerability. The software's insecure file permissions on Diagnose.exe allow attackers to replace it with a malicious executable, enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running SopCast. This can lead to complete system compromise and data theft.

02 // Vulnerability Mechanism

Step 1: Identify Target: The attacker identifies a system running SopCast 3.4.7.45585.

Step 2: Payload Creation: The attacker crafts a malicious executable (e.g., a reverse shell, keylogger, or malware dropper) and names it Diagnose.exe.

Step 3: Payload Delivery: The attacker copies the malicious Diagnose.exe to the SopCast installation directory, overwriting the legitimate file. Because of the 'Everyone:Full Control' permissions, this action is permitted.

Step 4: Trigger Execution: The attacker either waits for SopCast to automatically execute Diagnose.exe (if it's part of the program's normal operation) or tricks a user into running SopCast (e.g., via a social engineering attack).

Step 5: Code Execution: When Diagnose.exe is executed, the attacker's malicious code runs with the privileges of the user running SopCast, effectively achieving local privilege escalation.

03 // Deep Technical Analysis

The vulnerability stems from the use of overly permissive file permissions on the Diagnose.exe executable. Specifically, the 'Everyone' group has Full Control access to this file. This means any local user, including a standard user with limited privileges, can overwrite the legitimate Diagnose.exe with a malicious version. The subsequent execution of SopCast, which likely calls or interacts with Diagnose.exe, will then execute the attacker's code. The root cause is a failure to implement proper access control mechanisms, leading to a privilege escalation scenario. There is no specific function or logic flaw beyond the incorrect permissions setting.

04 // Exploitation Status

Public PoC. The vulnerability is straightforward to exploit, and proof-of-concept code is readily available. It is likely that this vulnerability has been **Actively exploited** in the past, although its age makes it less likely to be exploited in current environments.

05 // Threat Intelligence

While no specific APT groups are directly linked to this CVE, the ease of exploitation makes it attractive to a wide range of attackers. This vulnerability could be leveraged by attackers seeking initial access or to escalate privileges after gaining a foothold. This CVE is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog.

06 // Detection & Hunting

  • Monitor file system activity for modifications to Diagnose.exe within the SopCast installation directory.

  • Analyze process creation events for suspicious processes spawned by or related to Diagnose.exe.

  • Examine file access control lists (ACLs) for Diagnose.exe to ensure proper permissions are in place.

  • Implement Host-Based Intrusion Detection Systems (HIDS) to detect unauthorized file modifications.

  • Network monitoring for unusual outbound connections originating from the system after SopCast is run, which could indicate a reverse shell or data exfiltration.

07 // Remediation & Hardening

  • Uninstall SopCast 3.4.7.45585 and any other vulnerable versions.

  • Implement least privilege principles by restricting file permissions. Ensure that only authorized users or groups have write access to executable files.

  • Regularly audit file permissions to identify and correct any overly permissive settings.

  • Employ a host-based intrusion detection system (HIDS) to monitor for unauthorized file modifications and suspicious process activity.

  • Consider using application whitelisting to restrict the execution of unauthorized programs.

  • Update to a patched version of SopCast (if available). However, given the age of the software, this may not be an option. Consider using alternative software.

08 // Affected Products

SopCast 3.4.7.45585
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