Product Affected:
CCH Wolters Kluwer PFX Engagement <= v7.1
This vulnerability has been reference checked this against multiple installs. This configuration was identical across all systems and each version encountered.
Executables/Services:
Pfx.Engagement.WcfServices
PFXEngDesktopService
PFXSYNPFTService
P2EWinService
Attack Detail:
The PFX services for engagement install with LOCAL SYSTEM service credentials in the directory C:\PFX Engagement\
The executables that are installed, by default, allow AUTHENTICATED USERS to modify, replace or alter the file. This would allow an attacker to inject their code or replace the executable and have it run in the context of the system.
This would allow complete compromise of a machine on which it was installed, giving the process LOCAL SYSTEM access to the machine in question. An attacker can replace the file or append code to the executable, reboot the system or restart the service and it would then compromise the machine. As LOCAL SYSTEM is the highest privilege level on a machine, this allows total control and access to all parts of the system. This affects both the server and workstation builds.
Remediation:
Remove the modify/write permissions on the executables to allow only privileged users to alter the files.
Apply vendor patch when distributed.
Vulnerability Discovered: 11/26/2014
Vendor Notified: 11/26/2014
Vendor states this will be patched with next software update.
Website: www.information-paradox.net
This vulnerability was discovered by singularitysec@gmail.com. Please credit the author in all references to this exploit.
A security update has been released on 12/03/2014 to address the vulnerability in CCH Wolters Kluwer ProSystem fx Engagement. This update corrects the permissions on necessary application services. Please see the online release bulletin for instructions on how to apply the security update.
https://support.cch.com/updates/Engagement/pdf/Services%20Security%20Update%20-%20Release%20Bulletin%20-%20US.pdf