CVE-2023-38817
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Inspect Element Ltd Echo.ac v.5.2.1.0 allows a local attacker to escalate privileges via a crafted command to the echo_driver.sys kernel driver. Attackers can execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM-level permissions. Only users with local access to systems running the vulnerable software are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Inspect Element Ltd Echo.ac
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with SYSTEM privileges, allowing installation of persistent malware, credential theft, and lateral movement across the network.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation enabling attackers to bypass security controls, install additional malicious software, or access sensitive system resources.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper endpoint protection, application whitelisting, and least privilege principles are enforced.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit requires local access and user-level privileges. The driver vulnerability allows command execution with elevated privileges.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: None provided
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
No official patch available. Consider uninstalling Echo.ac if not required, or implement workarounds.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove Echo.ac driver
windowsUninstall or disable the vulnerable echo_driver.sys kernel driver
sc stop echo_driver
sc delete echo_driver
Remove echo_driver.sys from system32\drivers
Restrict driver loading
windowsConfigure Windows to only allow signed drivers or block specific vulnerable drivers
bcdedit /set {current} testsigning off
bcdedit /set {current} nointegritychecks off
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application control/whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized binaries
- Enforce least privilege principles and monitor for privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if echo_driver.sys exists in system32\drivers and Echo.ac version is 5.2.1.0Check Version:
Check Echo.ac application version or look for echo_driver.sys in system32\driversVerify Fix Applied:
Verify echo_driver.sys is removed or disabled, and no Echo.ac processes are running📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Driver load events for echo_driver.sys
- Process creation with SYSTEM privileges from user accounts
- Unusual command execution patterns
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
EventID=7045 OR ProcessName='echo_driver.sys' OR ParentProcessName contains 'echo'