CVE-2024-46466 is a vulnerability identified in ZONECENTRAL for Windows, specifically versions up to 2024.3 and Q.2021.2, which have been submitted for ANSSI qualification. The core issue is that dedicated folders used by the application are, by default, accessible to other users on the same system. This improper access control (classified under CWE-276: Incorrect Default Permissions) allows unauthorized users to access technical files that the application relies on. By manipulating these files, attackers can cause the application to execute tasks with elevated privileges, effectively escalating their local privileges. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects a high severity, with an attack vector limited to local access (AV:L), high attack complexity (AC:H), no privileges required (PR:N), and no user interaction (UI:N). The scope is changed (S:C), indicating that exploitation can affect resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. The impact is high on confidentiality and availability, but no impact on integrity is noted. No known exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability's nature suggests potential for privilege escalation attacks within compromised environments. The vulnerability requires configuration changes to restrict folder access and prevent misuse. No patches are currently linked, so organizations must proactively adjust permissions and monitor for vendor updates.

The vulnerability allows unauthorized local users to access and misuse technical files within ZONECENTRAL's dedicated folders, leading to privilege escalation. This can compromise the confidentiality of sensitive data stored or processed by the application and disrupt availability by enabling attackers to perform unauthorized tasks with higher privileges. Organizations relying on ZONECENTRAL in multi-user environments face risks of insider threats or lateral movement by attackers who gain local access. The high attack complexity and requirement for local access limit remote exploitation but do not eliminate risk in environments where multiple users share systems or where attackers have obtained initial footholds. The scope change indicates that the impact can extend beyond the application itself, potentially affecting system-wide security. This vulnerability could be leveraged to bypass security controls, access sensitive information, or disrupt critical operations, especially in sectors like government, defense, and critical infrastructure where ZONECENTRAL is deployed and ANSSI qualification is relevant.

Organizations should immediately audit and modify the access permissions of ZONECENTRAL's dedicated folders to ensure that only authorized users and system processes have access. This involves setting strict ACLs (Access Control Lists) on these directories to prevent unauthorized read or write operations. Administrators should verify the effective permissions using Windows security tools and remove any default permissions that allow access to other users. Additionally, organizations should monitor file access logs for unusual activity related to these folders. Until official patches or updates are released by the vendor, consider isolating systems running vulnerable versions of ZONECENTRAL to trusted users only and restrict local access. Implementing endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions can help detect attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Regularly check for vendor advisories and apply patches promptly once available. Finally, conduct user training to minimize the risk of privilege escalation through local access.