External risk intelligence

Windows CLFS Driver Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2019-1214

A vulnerability in the Windows Common Log File System driver allows an attacker with local access to gain elevated permissions. This could affect system integrity and data confidentiality, posing a business risk.

1Halo Surface Signal

Memory Corruption

Microsoft Windows 10 1507

r2

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2019-1214

This vulnerability affects a Windows OS kernel-mode driver (CLFS). It requires local access to the system to exploit, making it fundamentally an internal, local-only attack surface rather than one exposed to the public internet.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability in the Windows Common Log File System driver could allow an attacker to gain elevated permissions. This flaw occurs when the driver improperly handles objects in memory. The impact could involve unauthorized access to sensitive data or disruption of system operations, affecting the integrity and confidentiality of business data.

  • Windows Common Log File System driver
  • Improper object handling in memory
  • Privilege escalation impacting data and systems

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) driver. The driver improperly handles objects in memory, allowing an attacker to gain elevated permissions. This type of vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker who has already gained a foothold on a targeted system.

  • Local access required for exploitation.
  • Attacker triggers memory handling flaw.
  • Results in elevated system control.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability affects the Windows Common Log File System driver, potentially allowing an attacker to gain elevated privileges on a system. The exploitation requires local access and a certain skill level. The potential for significant damage, including unauthorized access and control over a system, presents a considerable business risk. The inclusion on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog suggests a need for prompt attention and remediation.

  • Attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access: Local access
  • Business risk: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in the Windows Common Log File System driver could allow an attacker with local access to elevate their privileges on affected systems. Such an elevation could enable further malicious activity, increasing the overall risk to the organization's data and operations. Addressing this issue is important for maintaining system integrity and security.

  • Identify systems with the vulnerable driver.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate affected systems.
  • Apply vendor fixes and validate.
  • Monitor for related security events.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) driver elevation of privilege vulnerability?

This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2019-1214, exists when the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) driver improperly handles objects in memory. It allows an attacker with local access to escalate their privileges on an affected system. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data or disruption of system operations.

How is the Windows CLFS driver vulnerability exploited, and what is its weakness class?

The weakness class for this vulnerability is CWE-119, which relates to improper handling of buffer or memory. Exploitation requires local access to the system, where an attacker can trigger the flawed memory handling within the CLFS driver to gain elevated permissions.

What is the trigger path for the CLFS driver vulnerability, and what is the scope of its impact?

The trigger path involves an attacker exploiting the improper object handling in memory by the Windows Common Log File System driver. The scope is limited to the local system, as local access is required for exploitation. Successful exploitation grants elevated system control.

Why is the Windows CLFS driver vulnerability considered relevant, especially in relation to CISA's KEV catalog?

This vulnerability is highly relevant due to its inclusion in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. Its potential for privilege escalation on Windows systems, requiring only local access, presents a significant business risk, necessitating prompt attention and remediation.

What are the practical steps to address the Windows CLFS driver vulnerability?

To address this vulnerability, organizations should identify systems with the vulnerable CLFS driver, reduce exposure or isolate affected systems, and promptly apply vendor-provided security updates. It is also crucial to validate that the fixes have been successfully implemented and to monitor for any related security events.

References