CVE-2023-53984
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2023-53984 is an unquoted service path vulnerability in Clevo HotKey Clipboard 2.1.0.6 that allows local non-privileged users to escalate privileges to SYSTEM level by placing malicious executables in specific file system locations. This affects systems running the vulnerable HKClipSvc service, typically on Clevo laptops and devices with this software installed.
💻 Affected Systems
- Clevo HotKey Clipboard
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full SYSTEM privilege compromise leading to complete host takeover, persistence installation, credential theft, and lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to bypass security controls, install malware, and access sensitive system resources.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper endpoint protection, application whitelisting, and least privilege principles are enforced.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access to the system and knowledge of the vulnerable service path. Public exploit code is available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Not available
Vendor Advisory: https://web.archive.org/web/20200713203236/https://www.clevo.com.tw/index-en.asp
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Clevo website for updated software versions
2. If no patch available, apply workarounds
3. Consider removing the software if not needed
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Modify Service Path
windowsAdd quotes around the service executable path in the Windows registry
sc config HKClipSvc binPath= "C:\Program Files\Clevo\HotKey Clipboard\HKClipSvc.exe"
Remove Vulnerable Service
windowsUninstall or disable the HKClipSvc service if not required
sc stop HKClipSvc
sc delete HKClipSvc
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized binaries
- Enforce least privilege principles and restrict local user permissions
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if HKClipSvc service exists and has an unquoted path: sc qc HKClipSvc | findstr BINARY_PATH_NAMECheck Version:
Check installed software version in Control Panel or via: wmic product where name="HotKey Clipboard" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify service path is quoted: sc qc HKClipSvc | findstr BINARY_PATH_NAME and ensure path contains quotes📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Windows Event Logs showing service path modifications
- Process creation from unexpected locations
- HKClipSvc service restarts
Network Indicators:
- No network indicators - local privilege escalation only
SIEM Query:
Windows Event ID 7045 with Service Name containing HKClipSvc OR Process creation from paths containing spaces without quotes