Elastic Security: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access
CVE-2024-14047 is a high-severity improper link resolution before file access vulnerability in Elastic Security from Elastic, 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 unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected Elastic Security versions: 7.6.0 through 8.12.2. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.14% 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 Winlogbeat to 8.13.0 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on discuss.elastic.co for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elastic | Elastic Security | 7.6.0 through 8.12.2 | Not stated |
| Elastic | Winlogbeat | 7.6.0 up to, but not including, 8.13.0 | 8.13.0 |
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
- 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
- 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:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.2 | High | CNA (elastic.co) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.1 | High | NVD |
Official description
A local vulnerability in the Winlogbeat Windows installer caused runtime files to be placed in a directory writable by unprivileged users. A low-privileged attacker with existing access to the system could pre-position malicious filesystem links, causing a subsequent elevated Winlogbeat operation to write to or delete arbitrary files. Successful exploitation could result in a denial of service.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access
The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system. Denying access to a file can prevent an attacker from replacing that file with a link to a sensitive file. Ensure good compartmentalization in the system to provide protected areas that can be trusted.
More Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities (CWE-59)
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
Our coverage
Recent Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
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