CVE-2024-13944
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows local attackers on Windows systems running Norton Utilities Ultimate to escalate privileges to SYSTEM level by exploiting a symbolic link race condition. Attackers can execute arbitrary code with highest privileges after gaining initial access. Only users of specific Norton Utilities Ultimate versions on Windows 10 Pro x64 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Norton Utilities Ultimate
⚠️ 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
Complete system compromise with SYSTEM privileges, allowing installation of persistent malware, credential theft, and disabling of security controls.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation from standard user to SYSTEM, enabling lateral movement, persistence establishment, and data exfiltration.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper endpoint protection, least privilege principles, and application control are implemented.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and ability to create symbolic links. TOCTTOU attacks require precise timing.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check vendor advisory for latest patched version
Vendor Advisory: https://www.gendigital.com/us/en/contact-us/security-advisories/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Norton Utilities Ultimate. 2. Check for updates in settings. 3. Install available updates. 4. Restart system if prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable NortonUtilitiesSvc Service
windowsTemporarily disable the vulnerable service to prevent exploitation
sc config NortonUtilitiesSvc start= disabled
sc stop NortonUtilitiesSvc
Restrict Symbolic Link Creation
windowsConfigure Windows to restrict who can create symbolic links
secedit /export /cfg config.inf
Edit config.inf to set 'Create symbolic links' to Administrators only
secedit /configure /db config.sdb /cfg config.inf
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict least privilege - ensure users run with minimal necessary permissions
- Deploy application control/whitelisting to prevent unauthorized process execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Norton Utilities Ultimate version in program settings or via 'wmic product get name,version' for version 24.2.16862.6344Check Version:
wmic product where "name like 'Norton Utilities%'" get name,versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Norton Utilities Ultimate version is updated beyond 24.2.16862.6344 and check service is running patched version📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual NortonUtilitiesSvc service activity
- Multiple symbolic link creation attempts
- Process creation from NortonUtilitiesSvc with SYSTEM privileges
Network Indicators:
- None - local privilege escalation only
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND NewProcessName='*NortonUtilitiesSvc*' AND SubjectUserName!='SYSTEM'