Vulnerability identifier: #VU12614

Vulnerability risk: High

CVSSv3.1: 8.7 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2018-10170

CWE-ID: CWE-264

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
NordVPN
Server applications / Remote access servers, VPN

Vendor: NordVPN

Description
The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges on the target system.

The weakness exists in the "nordvpn-service" service due to improper security restrictions. This service establishes an NetNamedPipe endpoint that allows arbitrary installed applications to connect and call publicly exposed methods. The "Connect" method accepts a class instance argument that provides attacker control of the OpenVPN command line. A remote attacker can specify a dynamic library plugin that should run for every new VPN connection attempt and execute arbitrary code with root privileges.

Successful exploitation of the vulnerability may result in system compromise.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

NordVPN: 6.12.7.0

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External links
http://github.com/VerSprite/research/blob/master/advisories/VS-2018-018.md

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.