CVE-2007-6744 in InstallShield
Summary
by MITRE
Flexera Macrovision InstallShield before 2008 sends a digital-signature password to an unintended application during certain signature operations involving .spc and .pvk files, which might allow local users to obtain sensitive information via unspecified vectors, related to an incorrect interaction between InstallShield and Signcode.exe.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2019
CVE-2007-6744 represents a significant information disclosure vulnerability within Flexera Macrovision InstallShield software versions prior to 2008. This flaw occurs during digital signature operations involving certificate files with .spc and .pvk extensions, where the system inadvertently exposes sensitive cryptographic credentials to unauthorized applications. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of digital signature processes within the installation framework, creating a pathway for local attackers to access confidential information that should remain protected. The issue manifests when InstallShield interacts with Signcode.exe, a Microsoft utility for code signing, through an incorrect data flow mechanism that bypasses normal security boundaries. This misconfiguration allows malicious local users to potentially extract cryptographic keys or passwords that are meant to be restricted to authorized processes only.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a flawed interaction pattern between InstallShield's signature handling routines and Microsoft's Signcode.exe utility. During legitimate signature operations, the system incorrectly forwards authentication credentials or cryptographic material to unintended processes, creating an information exposure condition. This behavior aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper information exposure, and demonstrates how application design flaws in cryptographic operations can lead to credential leakage. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the local privilege level, meaning that any user with access to the system can potentially exploit this weakness without requiring elevated privileges. The attack vector relies on the improper handling of file operations involving .spc and .pvk certificate files, which are standard components in Windows code signing processes. These file formats contain sensitive cryptographic information that, when improperly exposed, could compromise the integrity of digital signatures and potentially enable further attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can undermine the security of software distribution and code signing processes within affected environments. Local attackers could leverage this weakness to obtain signing credentials that might be used to create fraudulent software packages or to compromise the authenticity of legitimate applications. The exposure of cryptographic keys through this mechanism could lead to broader security implications including the potential for man-in-the-middle attacks or the creation of malicious software that appears to be digitally signed by trusted entities. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely heavily on code signing and software distribution processes, as it could compromise the trust model that digital signatures are designed to maintain. The attack scenario typically involves a local user executing specific installation or signing operations that trigger the flawed interaction between InstallShield and Signcode.exe, resulting in credential exposure that could be harvested by malware or other malicious processes.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including upgrading to InstallShield 2008 or later versions where this vulnerability has been addressed. System administrators should also review and restrict access to sensitive signing tools and certificate files, implementing least privilege principles for users who require code signing capabilities. The vulnerability's relationship to ATT&CK technique T1556.001 highlights the importance of securing credential storage and handling processes, particularly in environments where code signing operations are performed. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual patterns of certificate file access and potential unauthorized processes attempting to access .spc and .pvk files. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized execution of code signing tools and ensure that only trusted processes can interact with cryptographic materials. Regular security assessments of software development and deployment environments are essential to identify similar vulnerabilities in other tools that might exhibit similar interaction patterns with cryptographic utilities. The remediation approach should also include comprehensive user education about the risks associated with local privilege escalation and the importance of proper credential handling in development environments.