CVE-2019-16896

In K7 Ultimate Security 16.0.0117, the module K7BKCExt.dll (aka the backup module) improperly validates the administrative privileges of the user, allowing an arbitrary file write via a symbolic link attack with file restoration functionality.

Weakness

The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.

Affected Software

Potential Mitigations

• Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system.
• Denying access to a file can prevent an attacker from replacing that file with a link to a sensitive file. Ensure good compartmentalization in the system to provide protected areas that can be trusted.

Related Attack Patterns

• https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/132.html
• https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/17.html
• https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/35.html
• https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/76.html

References

• https://github.com/NtRaiseHardError/Antimalware-Research/blob/master/K7%20Security/Local%20Privilege%20Escalation/v16.0.0117/README.md
• https://support.k7computing.com/index.php?/selfhelp/categories/Vulnerability%20Report%20and%20Advisory/29