AutomationManagerAgent: Concurrent Execution using Shared Resource with Improper Synchronization
CVE-2023-37244 is a high-severity concurrent execution using shared resource with improper synchronization vulnerability in AutomationManagerAgent from N-able, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.0 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 AutomationManagerAgent versions: 2.80.0.1 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 0.23% 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
- Update automation_manager_agent to 2.91.0.0 or a later version.
- Update Automation Manager to 2.91.0.0 or a later version.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| N-Able | AutomationManagerAgent | 2.80.0.1 and earlier | Not stated |
| N-able | automation_manager_agent | before 2.91.0.0 | 2.91.0.0 |
| N-able | Automation Manager | before 2.91.0.0 | 2.91.0.0 |
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
- HighSuccess depends on conditions outside the attacker's control.
- 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
- 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:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 5.3 | Medium | CNA (google.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.0 | High | NVD |
Official description
The affected AutomationManager.AgentService.exe application contains a TOCTOU race condition vulnerability that allows standard users to create a pseudo-symlink at C:\ProgramData\N-Able Technologies\AutomationManager\Temp, which could be leveraged by an attacker to manipulate the process into performing arbitrary file deletions. We recommend upgrading to version 2.91.0.0
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Concurrent Execution using Shared Resource with Improper Synchronization
The product contains a concurrent code sequence that requires temporary, exclusive access to a shared resource, but a timing window exists in which the shared resource can be modified by another code sequence operating concurrently.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- In languages that support it, use synchronization primitives. Only wrap these around critical code to minimize the impact on performance.
- Use thread-safe capabilities such as the data access abstraction in Spring.
- Minimize the usage of shared resources in order to remove as much complexity as possible from the control flow and to reduce the likelihood of unexpected conditions occurring. Additionally, this will minimize the amount of synchronization necessary and may even help to reduce the likelihood of a denial of service where an attacker may be able to repeatedly trigger a critical section (CWE-400).
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
Third-party and government advisories
- github.com/mandiant/Vulnerability-Disclosures/blob/master/2023/MNDT-2023-0016.mdThird Party Advisory
Recent Concurrent Execution using Shared Resource with Improper Synchronization vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.0 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.0 High severity
- 7.0 High severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.