Zoom Desktop Client for Windows, Zoom VDI…: Incorrect Privilege Assignment
CVE-2023-49647 is a high-severity incorrect privilege assignment vulnerability in Zoom Desktop Client for Windows, Zoom VDI Client for Windows, and Zoom SDKs for Windows before version 5.16.10 from Zoom Video Communications, 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 attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected Zoom Desktop Client for Windows, Zoom VDI Client for Windows, and Zoom SDKs for Windows before version 5.16.10 versions: before 5.16.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.25% 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 Meeting Software Development Kit to 5.16.10 or a later version.
- Update Video Software Development Kit to 5.16.10 or a later version.
- Update Zoom to 5.16.10 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on zoom.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zoom Video Communications | Zoom Desktop Client for Windows, Zoom VDI Client for Windows, and Zoom SDKs for Windows before version 5.16.10 | before 5.16.0 | Not stated |
| Zoom | Meeting Software Development Kit | before 5.16.10 | 5.16.10 |
| Zoom | Video Software Development Kit | before 5.16.10 | 5.16.10 |
| Zoom | Zoom | before 5.16.10 | 5.16.10 |
| Zoom | Virtual Desktop Infrastructure | before 5.14.14; 5.15.0 up to, but not including, 5.15.12; 5.16.0 up to, but not including, 5.16.10 | 5.14.14, 5.15.12, 5.16.10 |
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
- 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:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | CNA (zoom.us) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | NVD |
Official description
Improper access control in Zoom Desktop Client for Windows, Zoom VDI Client for Windows, and Zoom SDKs for Windows before version 5.16.10 may allow an authenticated user to conduct an escalation of privilege via local access.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Incorrect Privilege Assignment
A product incorrectly assigns a privilege to a particular actor, creating an unintended sphere of control for that actor.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Very carefully manage the setting, management, and handling of privileges. Explicitly manage trust zones in the software.
- Run your code using the lowest privileges that are required to accomplish the necessary tasks. If possible, create isolated accounts with limited privileges that are only used for a single task. That way, a successful attack will not immediately give the attacker access to the rest of the software or its environment. For example, database applications rarely need to run as the database administrator, especially in day-to-day operations.
More Incorrect Privilege Assignment vulnerabilities (CWE-266)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in Zoom Desktop Client for Windows, Zoom VDI Client for Windows, and Zoom SDKs for Windows before version 5.16.10
- 8.8 High severity
Recent Incorrect Privilege Assignment vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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