I. BACKGROUND
Cisco Secure Desktop allows secure VPN connections from remote PCs and
offers functionality to ensure PCs meet administrator approved security
policies as well as having features that securely wipe downloaded data
after disconnect. More information is available on the vendors site at:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps6742/prod_release_notes_list.htm
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II. DESCRIPTION
Local exploitation of an insecure permissions vulnerability in Cisco
Systems Secure Desktop product could allow privilege escalation
attacks to be conducted by local users.
When Cisco Secure Desktop Web VPN product is installed on a NTFS formatted
drive, permissions are set on all files to grant full control to all users.
Certain files run as a system service and can be easily replaced.
III. ANALYSIS
Exploiting this vulnerability allows unprivileged local users to gain
system-level permissions to their local PCs. Exploitation is trivial and no
exploit code is required. Binaries for locally running services can be
renamed while they are running, making exploitation straight forward.
IV. DETECTION
iDefense has confirmed this vulnerability exists on Cisco Secure Desktop version 3.1.1.27.
Previous versions are suspected to be vulnerable.
V. WORKAROUND
Correcting the file permissions of the Secure Desktop installation
directory would prevent exploitation.
VI. VENDOR RESPONSE
Cisco has addressed this vulnerability within version 3.1.1.45 of the Cisco
Secure Desktop Software. More information can be obtained from Cisco's
advisory at:
http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/707/cisco-sa-20061108-csd.shtml
VII. CVE INFORMATION
A Mitre Corp. Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) number has not
been assigned yet.
VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
10/04/2006 Initial vendor notification
10/06/2006 Initial vendor response
11/08/2006 Coordinated public disclosure
IX. CREDIT
This vulnerability was reported to iDefense by Titon of Bastard Labs.
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X. LEGAL NOTICES
Copyright © 2006 iDefense, Inc.
Permission is granted for the redistribution of this alert electronically. It may not be edited in
any way without the express written consent of iDefense. If you wish to reprint the whole or any
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permission.
Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate at the time of publishing
based on currently available information. Use of the information constitutes acceptance for use in
an AS IS condition. There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the author nor
the publisher accepts any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage
arising from use of, or reliance on, this information.
