Advisory Details

This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Electronic Arts Origin. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.

The specific flaw exists within the Web Helper Service. By creating a symbolic link, an attacker can abuse the service to set a permissive DACL. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM.

This vulnerability is being disclosed publicly without a patch in accordance with the ZDI 120 day deadline.

08/17/21 – ZDI reported the vulnerability to vendor  
08/19/21 – The vendor acknowledged the report
08/29/21 – The vendor requested technical clarification  
08/31/21 – ZDI provided additional evidence  
02/22/22 – ZDI requested an update
02/22/22 – The vendor indicated the case does not meet the bar for servicing
03/16/22 – ZDI notified the vendor of the intention to publish the case as 0-day advisory on 03/24/22  

-- Mitigation:
Given the nature of the vulnerability the only salient mitigation strategy is to restrict interaction with the application.

• 2021-08-18 - Vulnerability reported to vendor
• 2022-03-24 - Coordinated public release of advisory
• 2022-03-29 - Advisory Updated