EUVD-2016-10803CVSS Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Lifecycle Timeline
4Description
ZKTeco ZKTime.Net 3.0.1.6 contains an insecure file permissions vulnerability that allows unprivileged users to escalate privileges by modifying executable files. Attackers can exploit world-writable permissions on the ZKTimeNet3.0 directory and its contents to replace executable files with malicious binaries for privilege escalation.
Analysis
Critical insecure file permissions vulnerability in ZKTeco ZKTime.Net 3.0.1.6 that allows unprivileged local users to gain elevated privileges by replacing executable files in the world-writable application directory. Multiple public proof-of-concept exploits are available on Exploit-DB and PacketStorm, making this vulnerability easily exploitable despite requiring local access. While not listed in CISA KEV and lacking current EPSS data, the availability of working exploits and the simplicity of the attack make this a significant risk for organizations using this time and attendance software.
Technical Context
The vulnerability stems from CWE-538 (Insertion of Sensitive Information into Externally-Accessible File or Directory), where the ZKTime.Net 3.0.1.6 application installs with world-writable permissions on its program directory 'ZKTimeNet3.0' and all contained files. Based on the CPE string (cpe:2.3:a:zkteco_inc.:zkteco_zktime.net:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*), all versions of ZKTeco's ZKTime.Net time and attendance management software appear affected. This insecure permission configuration allows any local user to modify, replace, or inject malicious executables into the application directory, which will then run with the privileges of users who execute the legitimate application.
Affected Products
ZKTeco ZKTime.Net version 3.0.1.6 is specifically affected, though the CPE wildcard pattern suggests all versions may be vulnerable. ZKTime.Net is a time and attendance management software used for employee time tracking and access control integration. Organizations using any version of ZKTeco's ZKTime.Net software should verify their installation's file permissions. The vendor advisory link from VulnCheck (https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/zkteco-zktime-net-insecure-file-permissions-privilege-escalation) provides additional details.
Remediation
No specific patch version is mentioned in the available references. Immediate mitigation involves manually correcting the file permissions on the ZKTimeNet3.0 directory to remove world-writable access (chmod 755 or more restrictive). Organizations should: 1) Audit and correct permissions on the installation directory and all contained files, 2) Implement the principle of least privilege for system access, 3) Monitor for unauthorized modifications to application executables, 4) Contact ZKTeco for an updated version that properly sets file permissions during installation. The ZeroScience advisory (https://www.zeroscience.mk/en/vulnerabilities/ZSL-2016-5360.php) may contain additional mitigation details.
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