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AUSCERT Security Bulletin
ASB-2021.0159.3
Windows Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
13 August 2021
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AusCERT Security Bulletin Summary
---------------------------------
Product: Microsoft Windows
Operating System: Windows
Impact/Access: Execute Arbitrary Code/Commands -- Existing Account
Administrator Compromise -- Existing Account
Resolution: Mitigation
CVE Names: CVE-2021-36934
Revision History: August 13 2021: Microsoft updated advisory with security update details
July 23 2021: Microsoft added additonal Windows versions and information on how to delete shadow copies
July 21 2021: Initial Release
OVERVIEW
Microsoft has released an out of band advisory for a Windows
elevation of privilege vulnerability. Microsoft has assigned
CVE-2021-36934 to this vulnerability [1]
IMPACT
Microsoft states that "An elevation of privilege vulnerability
exists because of overly permissive Access Control Lists (ACLs) on
multiple system files, including the Security Accounts Manager (SAM)
database. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability
could run arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges. An attacker could
then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new
accounts with full user rights.
An attacker must have the ability to execute code on a victim system
to exploit this vulnerability." [1]
Microsoft currently advises that this issue affects Windows 10
versions 1809 and newer. [1]
========UPDATE 23/07/2021=========
Microsoft added additional affected Windows versions. These include
Windows Server 2004, Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server version
20H2 [1]
MITIGATION
There is currently no patch available for this vulnerability,
Microsoft have provided the following workaround:
"Restrict access to the contents of %windir%\system32\config
1. Open Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell as an administrator.
2. Run this command: icacls %windir%\system32\config\*.*/inheritance:e
Delete Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) shadow copies
1. Delete any System Restore points and Shadow volumes that existed
prior to restricting access to %windir%\system32\config.
2. Create a new System Restore point (if desired).
Impact of workaround Deleting shadow copies could impact restore
operations, including the ability to restore data with third-party
backup applications.
Note You must restrict access and delete shadow copies to prevent
exploitation of this vulnerability." [1]
Microsoft will update the CVE as their investigation progresses. [1]
========UPDATE 23/07/2021=========
Microsoft added a link to KB5005357 which provides information on
how to delete shadow copies. [2]
========UPDATE 13/08/2021=========
Microsoft updated advisory on August 10, 2021 to announce it is
releasing security updates for all affected versions of Windows
to address this vulnerability. [1]
REFERENCES
[1] Windows Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2021-36934
[2] KB5005357- Delete Volume Shadow Copies
https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/topic/kb5005357-delete-volume-shadow-copies-1ceaa637-aaa3-4b58-a48b-baf72a2fa9e7
AusCERT has made every effort to ensure that the information contained
in this document is accurate. However, the decision to use the information
described is the responsibility of each user or organisation. The decision to
follow or act on information or advice contained in this security bulletin is
the responsibility of each user or organisation, and should be considered in
accordance with your organisation's site policies and procedures. AusCERT
takes no responsibility for consequences which may arise from following or
acting on information or advice contained in this security bulletin.
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Australian Computer Emergency Response Team
The University of Queensland
Brisbane
Qld 4072
Internet Email: auscert@auscert.org.au
Facsimile: (07) 3365 7031
Telephone: (07) 3365 4417 (International: +61 7 3365 4417)
AusCERT personnel answer during Queensland business hours
which are GMT+10:00 (AEST).
On call after hours for member emergencies only.
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