CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2023-0975NVD status: Modified

Trellix Agent: Improper Preservation of Permissions

CVE-2023-0975 is a high-severity improper preservation of permissions vulnerability in Trellix Agent from Trellix, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected Trellix Agent versions: 5.7.8 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.17% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Check which version of Trellix Agent you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. Read the advisory on kcm.trellix.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  3. Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
TrellixTrellix Agent5.7.8 and earlierNot stated
TrellixAgent5.7.8 and earlierNot stated

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.18.2HighCNA (trellix.com)
CVSS 3.17.8HighNVD

Official description

A vulnerability exists in Trellix Agent for Windows version 5.7.8 and earlier, that allows local users, during install/upgrade workflow, to replace one of the Agent’s executables before it can be executed. This allows the user to elevate their permissions.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improper Preservation of Permissions

The product does not preserve permissions or incorrectly preserves permissions when copying, restoring, or sharing objects, which can cause them to have less restrictive permissions than intended.

More Improper Preservation of Permissions vulnerabilities (CWE-281)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in Trellix Agent

All Trellix Agent vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Preservation of Permissions vulnerabilities

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