CVE-2023-28047
📋 TL;DR
Dell Display Manager versions 2.1.0 and earlier contain a privilege escalation vulnerability during installation. A local attacker with low privileges can create arbitrary files or folders, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with SYSTEM/administrator privileges. This affects all systems running vulnerable versions of Dell Display Manager.
💻 Affected Systems
- Dell Display Manager
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise via privilege escalation to SYSTEM/administrator, allowing complete control over the affected system, data theft, persistence, and lateral movement.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation leading to installation of malware, credential theft, or system configuration changes by authenticated low-privilege users.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper access controls prevent local user access or if vulnerable software is not installed.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and knowledge of the vulnerability. Exploitation involves manipulating installation process to create arbitrary files/folders.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.1.1 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-uk/000211727/dsa-2023
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download Dell Display Manager version 2.1.1 or later from Dell Support. 2. Uninstall current version. 3. Install updated version. 4. Restart system.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Local User Access
windowsLimit local user access to systems with Dell Display Manager installed to reduce attack surface.
Remove Vulnerable Software
windowsUninstall Dell Display Manager if not required for business operations.
Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Select Dell Display Manager > Uninstall
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit local user access to affected systems
- Monitor for suspicious file creation activities during software installation processes
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Dell Display Manager version in Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features. If version is 2.1.0 or earlier, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wmic product where name="Dell Display Manager" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Dell Display Manager version is 2.1.1 or later in Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Windows Event Logs showing unexpected file/folder creation during Dell Display Manager installation
- Security logs showing privilege escalation attempts
Network Indicators:
- No network indicators - local privilege escalation only
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND ProcessName LIKE '%Dell Display Manager%' AND NewProcessName LIKE '%cmd.exe%' OR '%powershell.exe%'