Unquoted Service Path in Outline 1.3.3 Enables Privilege Escalation

Executive Summary

CVE-2020-37030 is an unquoted service path vulnerability in Outline Service version 1.3.3. The service's executable path contains spaces but lacks quotation marks, which allows local users with limited privileges to inject malicious code into the service path. When the service starts, Windows may execute the malicious code with elevated LocalSystem privileges, enabling arbitrary code execution with high system-level access. [1, 2]

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Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can allow a local attacker to escalate their privileges by executing arbitrary code with LocalSystem permissions. This means the attacker can gain unauthorized control over the affected system, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or disruption of services. [1, 2]

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Detection Guidance

You can detect this vulnerability by checking the service configuration for unquoted service paths. Commands such as `wmic service where "name='OutlineService'" get PathName` or `sc qc OutlineService` can be used to query the service path. If the path to the executable contains spaces and is not enclosed in quotes, the service is vulnerable to this unquoted service path issue. [2]

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Mitigation Strategies

Immediate mitigation steps include correcting the service path by enclosing it in quotation marks to prevent code injection. Alternatively, ensure that no malicious executables exist in any directories along the unquoted path. Restrict local user permissions to prevent placing malicious executables in these locations. Applying updates or patches from the vendor that address this issue is also recommended. [1, 2]

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