CVE-2024-6260
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows local attackers with low-privileged code execution to escalate privileges to SYSTEM level by exploiting a symbolic link handling flaw in Malwarebytes Antimalware service. It affects installations where an attacker already has initial access to the system. The vulnerability enables arbitrary code execution with highest privileges.
💻 Affected Systems
- Malwarebytes Antimalware
📦 What is this software?
Antimalware by Malwarebytes
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with SYSTEM privileges, enabling installation of persistent malware, credential theft, and lateral movement across the network.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation from a standard user account to SYSTEM, allowing installation of additional malware, disabling security controls, and accessing protected system resources.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper endpoint protection and least privilege principles are enforced, though local privilege escalation remains possible.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and ability to execute code as a low-privileged user. Symbolic link manipulation is a well-known technique for privilege escalation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check Malwarebytes update for latest version
Vendor Advisory: https://www.malwarebytes.com/secure/cves
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Malwarebytes application. 2. Click Settings. 3. Click 'Check for updates'. 4. Install available updates. 5. Restart the system to ensure service updates are applied.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Malwarebytes Service
windowsTemporarily disable the Malwarebytes service to prevent exploitation
sc stop MBAMService
sc config MBAMService start= disabled
Remove Symbolic Link Privileges
windowsRestrict ability to create symbolic links via group policy
gpedit.msc -> Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Local Policies -> User Rights Assignment -> 'Create symbolic links'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict endpoint detection and response (EDR) to monitor for privilege escalation attempts
- Enforce least privilege principles and restrict local administrator access to minimize impact
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Malwarebytes version and compare against patched versions in vendor advisoryCheck Version:
Open Malwarebytes -> Settings -> About, or check registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Malwarebytes' Anti-MalwareVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Malwarebytes is updated to latest version and monitor for successful service restart📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual symbolic link creation events
- Malwarebytes service process spawning unexpected child processes
- Privilege escalation attempts in security logs
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND ProcessName LIKE '%mbam%' AND NewProcessName NOT IN ('expected_processes')