CVE-2024-7553: MongoDB Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

CVE-2024-7553 Overview

CVE-2024-7553 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability affecting MongoDB Server, MongoDB C Driver, and MongoDB PHP Driver on Windows operating systems. The vulnerability stems from incorrect validation of files loaded from a local untrusted directory, which may allow an attacker with local access to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

This vulnerability affects multiple versions of MongoDB products and requires the underlying operating system to be Windows. When exploited, an attacker can manipulate files in untrusted directories that MongoDB loads, potentially leading to the application executing malicious behavior determined by the contents of these untrusted files.

Critical Impact

Local attackers can achieve privilege escalation on Windows systems running vulnerable MongoDB products by placing malicious files in directories that MongoDB loads without proper validation.

Affected Products

• MongoDB Server v5.0 versions prior to 5.0.27
• MongoDB Server v6.0 versions prior to 6.0.16
• MongoDB Server v7.0 versions prior to 7.0.12
• MongoDB Server v7.3 versions prior to 7.3.3
• MongoDB C Driver versions prior to 1.26.2
• MongoDB PHP Driver versions prior to 1.18.1
• Microsoft Windows 10 (all versions)
• Microsoft Windows 11 (all versions)
• Microsoft Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022

Discovery Timeline

• August 7, 2024 - CVE-2024-7553 published to NVD
• September 19, 2024 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-7553

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control), indicating a failure in the access control mechanisms that should protect file loading operations. The flaw specifically manifests in how MongoDB products validate files when loading them from local directories on Windows systems.

The vulnerability requires local access to exploit, meaning an attacker must already have some level of access to the target system. However, once this prerequisite is met, the attacker can leverage the improper file validation to escalate their privileges, potentially gaining full control over the MongoDB service and associated data.

The impact is significant as successful exploitation allows for complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. The scope is unchanged, meaning the impact is contained to the vulnerable component's security scope, but within that scope, the damage can be substantial.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2024-7553 lies in insufficient validation of files loaded from local directories. MongoDB products on Windows fail to properly verify the integrity and trustworthiness of files before loading and executing them. This oversight allows an attacker to place malicious files in directories where MongoDB expects to find legitimate configuration or library files.

The Windows-specific nature of this vulnerability suggests that the file path handling or permission checking mechanisms differ from Linux/Unix implementations, where such directory-based attacks are typically mitigated by stricter file system permission models.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for CVE-2024-7553 is local, requiring an attacker to have pre-existing access to the target system. The exploitation process involves:

1. Initial Access: The attacker must first gain local access to the Windows system running a vulnerable MongoDB product
2. File Placement: The attacker identifies directories from which MongoDB loads files without proper validation
3. Malicious Payload: The attacker places a crafted malicious file in the untrusted directory
4. Trigger: When MongoDB loads the malicious file during normal operation or restart, the arbitrary code within the file is executed
5. Privilege Escalation: The code executes with the privileges of the MongoDB service, which may be elevated depending on the installation configuration

The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in shared hosting environments or multi-user systems where lower-privileged users might exploit this to gain elevated access to database services.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-7553

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected or modified files in MongoDB installation directories or directories included in the system PATH
• Unusual file creation events in directories associated with MongoDB operations
• Anomalous process execution originating from the MongoDB service process (mongod.exe, mongos.exe)
• Changes to DLL files or configuration files in MongoDB-related directories

Detection Strategies

• Monitor file system activity for writes to directories where MongoDB loads files, especially from non-administrative accounts
• Implement file integrity monitoring (FIM) on MongoDB installation and configuration directories
• Configure Windows Event logging to capture file creation and modification events in sensitive directories
• Deploy endpoint detection solutions that can identify suspicious DLL loading patterns or process injection attempts

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable audit logging for file system access on directories used by MongoDB
• Configure SIEM rules to alert on file modifications in MongoDB directories by non-service accounts
• Monitor for privilege escalation attempts following file system modifications
• Track MongoDB service restarts that coincide with recent file changes in monitored directories

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-7553

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade MongoDB Server to version 5.0.27, 6.0.16, 7.0.12, or 7.3.3 or later depending on your installed version
• Upgrade MongoDB C Driver to version 1.26.2 or later
• Upgrade MongoDB PHP Driver to version 1.18.1 or later
• Restrict write access to MongoDB installation directories to administrative accounts only
• Audit file system permissions on all directories in the system PATH

Patch Information

MongoDB has released patched versions that address this vulnerability. Organizations should upgrade to the following minimum versions:

For detailed patch information, refer to the MongoDB Server Issue, MongoDB C Driver Issue, and MongoDB PHP Driver Issue.

Workarounds

• Restrict directory permissions to prevent non-administrative users from writing to directories that MongoDB loads files from
• Run MongoDB services with minimal required privileges using Windows service account best practices
• Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized executables or libraries from loading
• Use Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) or AppLocker policies to restrict file execution in MongoDB directories

# Example: Restrict permissions on MongoDB installation directory
icacls "C:\Program Files\MongoDB\Server\7.0" /inheritance:r /grant:r "SYSTEM:(OI)(CI)F" /grant:r "Administrators:(OI)(CI)F" /grant:r "NETWORK SERVICE:(OI)(CI)RX"