External risk intelligence

Windows Common Log File System Driver Privilege Escalation Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2023-28252

A vulnerability in the Windows Common Log File System Driver allows for privilege escalation. This could enable an attacker with local access to gain elevated permissions on affected systems, potentially impacting system integrity and data confidentiality. The exploitation of this vulnerability requires local access an

1Halo Surface Signal

Out-of-bounds Write

Microsoft Windows 10 1507

before 10.0.10240.19869before 10.0.14393.5850before 10.0.17763.4252before 10.0.19042.2846before 10.0.19044.2846before 10.0.19045.2846before 10.0.22000.1817before 10.0.22621.1555r2

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2023-28252

This vulnerability resides within the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) driver, which is a local operating system component. Exploitation requires local access to the target system to escalate privileges, meaning it is not reachable via the public internet.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The Windows Common Log File System Driver has a vulnerability that can allow unauthorized elevation of privileges. This flaw could enable an attacker with local access to gain higher-level permissions on affected systems. The impact of such an escalation could compromise system integrity and data confidentiality.

Vulnerable component: Windows Common Log File System Driver
Core weakness: Flaw allows privilege escalation
Main business impact: Compromised system integrity and data

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability impacts systems with the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) driver. An attacker with local access to a vulnerable system can leverage this flaw to elevate their privileges. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to gain higher-level permissions on the compromised system, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control. This could affect system integrity and data confidentiality.

Local access is required.
Attacker escalates privileges.
Unauthorized control results.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability allows for an elevation of privilege within the Windows Common Log File System driver. Attackers with low skill levels could exploit this issue by gaining local access to a targeted system. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access and modification of sensitive data, impacting system integrity and potentially leading to further compromise. Organizations should treat this vulnerability with a high degree of urgency due to its potential for severe impact.

Likely attacker skill level: Low
Required access or conditions: Local access to the system
Business risk or urgency: 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 escalate privileges. Organizations should prioritize identifying and mitigating systems affected by this vulnerability to reduce business risk. The exploitation of this vulnerability requires local access to the target system and is not reachable via the public internet.

Find affected systems.
Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
Fix, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) driver and its role in privilege escalation?

The Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) driver is a fundamental part of Windows operating systems, designed to provide a robust logging service. It is utilized by both the OS and applications for efficient transaction logging and event recording, ensuring data persistence and recovery, but a vulnerability within it allows for privilege escalation.

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2023-28252, and what are the associated weaknesses?

CVE-2023-28252 is an elevation of privilege vulnerability. It is characterized by weaknesses such as CWE-122 (Heap-based Buffer Overflow) and CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), enabling an attacker to gain elevated permissions on a system.

How can CVE-2023-28252 be exploited, and what is the scope of its impact?

Exploitation of CVE-2023-28252 requires local access to the affected Windows system. An attacker with this access can leverage the vulnerability to escalate privileges, gaining higher-level permissions. The scope is limited to systems where local access can be obtained, as it is not externally reachable.

What is the relevance of the Windows CLFS driver vulnerability (CVE-2023-28252) for threat actors?

The Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) driver vulnerability, CVE-2023-28252, is relevant because it allows for privilege escalation. Attackers with low skill levels can exploit this by gaining local access to a target system. This could lead to unauthorized access and modification of sensitive data, impacting system integrity and potentially enabling further compromise.

What are the recommended steps to mitigate the risk posed by the CLFS driver vulnerability?

To mitigate the risk of CVE-2023-28252, organizations should prioritize identifying all affected systems that utilize the Windows Common Log File System driver. Once identified, steps should be taken to reduce exposure, isolate any high-risk systems, apply necessary fixes or updates, and verify the remediation. Continuous monitoring is also advised.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

External-surface CVE analysis and Halo Surface Signal prioritization for Halo Threat Intelligence.