CVE-2020-37048
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2020-37048 is an unquoted service path vulnerability in Iskysoft Application Framework Service that allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges. This affects users running version 2.4.3.241 of the software on Windows systems. Attackers need local access to the machine to exploit this vulnerability.
💻 Affected Systems
- Iskysoft Application Framework Service
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with SYSTEM privileges, allowing complete control over the affected machine, data theft, persistence mechanisms, and lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation leading to installation of malware, backdoors, or credential harvesting tools on the compromised system.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper endpoint security controls, least privilege principles, and service hardening are implemented.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit code is publicly available on Exploit-DB. Attackers need local access and ability to write to a directory in the service path. The exploit is straightforward for attackers with basic Windows knowledge.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Not available
Vendor Advisory: https://www.iskysoft.us
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Uninstall Iskysoft Application Framework Service 2.4.3.241
2. Check if newer versions are available from the vendor
3. If no patch exists, implement workarounds or remove the software
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Quote Service Path
windowsModify the service configuration to use quoted paths in the service executable path
sc config "ISAppService" binPath= "\"C:\Program Files\Iskysoft\ISAppService.exe\""
Remove Write Permissions
windowsRemove write permissions for non-administrative users on directories in the service path
icacls "C:\Program Files\Iskysoft" /deny Users:(OI)(CI)W
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove Iskysoft Application Framework Service if not required
- Implement strict endpoint security controls and monitor for suspicious service modifications
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if ISAppService exists and has an unquoted path: sc qc ISAppService | findstr BINARY_PATH_NAMECheck Version:
Check installed version in Programs and Features or registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\UninstallVerify Fix Applied:
Verify service path is quoted: sc qc ISAppService | findstr BINARY_PATH_NAME should show quoted path📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Windows Event Logs: Service Control Manager events (ID 7045) showing service path modifications
- Security logs showing privilege escalation attempts
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from systems running Iskysoft services
- Lateral movement attempts from previously compromised hosts
SIEM Query:
EventID=7045 AND (ServiceName="ISAppService" OR ImagePath="*Iskysoft*")