Dell Command Update (DCU): Insecure Operation on Windows Junction / Mount Point
CVE-2023-23698 is a high-severity insecure operation on windows junction / mount point vulnerability in Dell Command Update (DCU) from Dell, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.1 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected Dell Command Update (DCU) versions: Versions 4.6.0 and 4.7.1. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.18% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of Dell Command Update (DCU) you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on dell.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dell | Dell Command Update (DCU) | Versions 4.6.0 and 4.7.1 | Not stated |
| Dell | Alienware Update | 4.6.0; 4.7.1 | Not stated |
| Dell | Command Update | 4.6.0; 4.7.1 | Not 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
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- 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:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 5.5 | Medium | CNA (emc.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.1 | High | NVD |
Official description
Dell Command | Update, Dell Update, and Alienware Update versions before 4.6.0 and 4.7.1 contain Insecure Operation on Windows Junction in the installer component. A local malicious user may potentially exploit this vulnerability leading to arbitrary file delete.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Insecure Operation on Windows Junction / Mount Point
The product opens a file or directory, but it does not properly prevent the name from being associated with a junction or mount point to a destination that is outside of the intended control sphere.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- When designing software that will have different rights than the executer, the software should check that files that it is interacting with are not improper hard links or mount points. One way to do this in Windows is to use the functionality embedded in the following command: dir /al /s /b or, in PowerShell, use LinkType as a filter. In addition, some software uses authentication via signing to ensure that the file is the correct one to use. Make checks atomic with the file action, otherwise a TOCTOU weakness (CWE-367) can be introduced.
More Insecure Operation on Windows Junction / Mount Point vulnerabilities (CWE-1386)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in Dell Command Update (DCU)
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
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