Webroot AntiVirus (Consumer) and Webroot…: Improper Privilege Management
CVE-2023-7241 is a high-severity improper privilege management vulnerability in Webroot AntiVirus (Consumer) and Webroot Endpoint Protection (Business) from Webroot, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.9 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 9.0.35.17 as the first without the flaw, so updating Webroot AntiVirus (Consumer) and Webroot Endpoint Protection (Business) to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.19% 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 Webroot AntiVirus (Consumer) and Webroot Endpoint Protection (Business) to 9.0.35.17 or a later version.
- 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
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webroot | Webroot AntiVirus (Consumer) and Webroot Endpoint Protection (Business) | 8.0.1 up to, but not including, 9.0.35.17 | 9.0.35.17 |
| Webroot | anti-virus-and-endpoint-protection | Not specified in the record | 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
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- 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:R/S:C/C:N/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (opentext.com).
Official description
Privilege Escalation in WRSA.EXE in Webroot Antivirus 8.0.1X- 9.0.35.12 on Windows64 bit and 32 bit allows malicious software to abuse WRSA.EXE to delete arbitrary and protected files.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Privilege Management
The product does not properly assign, modify, track, or check privileges for an 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.
- Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system.
- Consider following the principle of separation of privilege. Require multiple conditions to be met before permitting access to a system resource.
More Improper Privilege Management vulnerabilities (CWE-269)
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
Patches and release notes
Recent Improper Privilege Management vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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