CVE-2023-39107

An arbitrary file overwrite vulnerability in NoMachine Free Edition and Enterprise Client for macOS before v8.8.1 allows attackers to overwrite root-owned…

published August 4, 2023

CVSS
—
EPSS
1%
Percentile
68.4
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ A crafty attacker can exploit hardlinks in NoMachine's macOS clients to overwrite root-owned files. This gaping hole in security is as sneaky as a cat burglar tip-toeing through your living room! Think of this vulnerability like a sneaky contractor who can bypass security checks to use a fake blueprint, allowing them to renovate your house without permission. Instead of a new bathroom, you might end up with a whole new kitchen… or worse! An attacker could gain unauthorized control and overwrite critical system files, potentially leading to a full system compromise. This might result in a hostile takeover of your device or loss of valuable data — absolutely devastating!

Put simply

Think of this vulnerability like a sneaky contractor who can bypass security checks to use a fake blueprint, allowing them to renovate your house without permission. Instead of a new bathroom, you might end up with a whole new kitchen… or worse! This arbitrary file overwrite vulnerability occurs when NoMachine allows hardlinks to be created, letting attackers replace files owned by the root user without proper checks. The unsecured function can be exploited to gain unauthorized access.

What to do

An attacker could gain unauthorized control and overwrite critical system files, potentially leading to a full system compromise. This might result in a hostile takeover of your device or loss of valuable data — absolutely devastating! To secure your system, immediately update NoMachine to version 8.8.1 or later. If you’re using older versions, consider disabling or limiting access to the affected features until you can patch. Don't delay — secure your setup now! You’ve got this! By following these steps, you’ll bolster your defenses against this sneaky vulnerability and keep your system safe. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.01217 · 68.4th percentile
Published
2023-08-04T00:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 04 AUG 00:00Z
    An arbitrary file overwrite vulnerability in NoMachine Free Edition and Enterprise Client for macOS before v8.8.1 allows attackers to overwrite root-owned…
    cvelistv5