Remote Code Execution Exploit Chain In Open VPN
Query
// Remote code execution exploit chain in OpenVPN
// CVE-2024-24974, CVE-2024-27903, CVE-2024-27459, and CVE-2024-1305 are four vulnerabilities affecting OpenVPN prior to version 2.6.10. A threat actor could exploit these vulnerabilities to launch arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges in kernel mode on a target system running a vulnerable version of OpenVPN. Many VPN services, network hardware, and other VPN software implement the open-source OpenVPN system. These services include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, ProtonVPN, and tunnelblick. All implementations of OpenVPN prior to version 2.6.10 are affected by these vulnerabilities, including downstream software and hardware.
// KQL to check DeviceTvmSoftwareInventory for any impacted endpoints:
DeviceTvmSoftwareInventory
| where SoftwareVendor contains "vpn"
or SoftwareVendor contains "Surfshark"
or SoftwareVendor contains "tunnelblick"
// MITRE ATT&CK Mapping
// The query focuses on detecting VPN software, which can be associated with several MITRE ATT&CK techniques, particularly those related to Defense Evasion and Command and Control. Here are some relevant techniques:
// T1070.004 - Indicator Removal on Host: File Deletion
// VPN software can be used to hide network traffic, making it harder to detect malicious activities.
// T1090 - Proxy
// VPNs are often used to route traffic through intermediary servers to obfuscate the origin of the traffic.
// T1573 - Encrypted Channel
// VPNs encrypt traffic, which can be used to secure communications and evade network monitoring.
// T1568 - Dynamic Resolution
// VPN services may use dynamic DNS to manage their infrastructure, which can be leveraged by attackers to evade detection.Explanation
This query is designed to identify devices that might be vulnerable to a set of security vulnerabilities affecting OpenVPN software versions prior to 2.6.10. These vulnerabilities could allow an attacker to execute code with high-level privileges on affected systems. The query searches through a database of software inventories on devices to find any software related to VPNs, specifically looking for vendors like Surfshark and tunnelblick, which might be using the vulnerable OpenVPN versions.
The query is also linked to several MITRE ATT&CK techniques, which are methods used by attackers to achieve their goals. These techniques include:
- T1070.004 - Indicator Removal on Host: File Deletion: VPNs can obscure network traffic, making it difficult to detect malicious actions.
- T1090 - Proxy: VPNs can route traffic through other servers, hiding the true source of the traffic.
- T1573 - Encrypted Channel: VPNs encrypt data, which can protect communications but also help attackers avoid detection.
- T1568 - Dynamic Resolution: VPN services might use dynamic DNS, which attackers can exploit to avoid being detected.
In summary, the query helps identify potentially vulnerable VPN software on devices and relates to techniques attackers might use to hide their activities.
Details
Steven Lim
Released: August 25, 2024
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