Advisory Details

This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Pulse Secure Client. 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 SetupService. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied path prior to using it in file operations. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of the service.

07/08/22 – ZDI requested a vendor PSIRT contact.

07/13/22 – ZDI asked for an update.

07/26/22 – The vendor provided contact information.

07/27/22 – The ZDI reported the vulnerability to the vendor.

08/02/22 – The vendor acknowledged the report.

06/08/23 – The ZDI asked for an update and informed the vendor that the case will be published as a zero-day advisory on 06/14/23.

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

• 2022-07-27 - Vulnerability reported to vendor
• 2023-06-14 - Coordinated public release of advisory