CVE-2012-1819 in KingView
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in WellinTech KingView 6.53 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in the current working directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1819 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within WellinTech KingView 6.53 software, a widely used industrial automation and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) platform. This flaw exists in the application's dynamic link library (dll) loading mechanism, which fails to properly validate the source and integrity of dynamically loaded components. The vulnerability specifically affects local users who can exploit this weakness by placing a malicious Trojan horse dll file in the current working directory from which the application is executed. This particular weakness aligns with CWE-427, which describes uncontrolled search path dependencies, and CWE-428, addressing untrusted search path vulnerabilities that can lead to privilege escalation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the software's improper handling of library loading sequences during application execution. When KingView 6.53 attempts to load required dynamic link libraries, it searches through the current working directory before checking system directories, creating an exploitable condition where a malicious actor can place a crafted dll file that matches the name of a legitimate library the application expects to load. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and secure coding practices, as the application does not implement proper validation mechanisms to ensure that loaded libraries originate from trusted sources. The vulnerability operates under the principle of DLL hijacking, where attackers manipulate the library search order to execute malicious code with the privileges of the victim process, potentially escalating from a standard user account to a higher privilege level depending on the target application's execution context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly within industrial control systems and enterprise environments where WellinTech KingView is deployed. Local users with basic access to the system can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to critical infrastructure. The implications are particularly severe in industrial settings where SCADA systems control physical processes, as successful exploitation could result in operational disruptions, data manipulation, or even physical safety hazards. This vulnerability enables attackers to bypass traditional security controls and escalate privileges without requiring remote access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical security is assumed but logical security controls are insufficient. The attack vector is relatively simple to execute, requiring only that an attacker have local access to the system and the ability to write files to the current working directory, which significantly increases the attack surface and potential impact in enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1819 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves applying vendor patches or updates that correct the library loading behavior and implement proper validation of loaded components. Organizations should also implement strict file system permissions and access controls to limit local user capabilities, particularly in environments where SCADA systems operate. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that applications run with minimal required permissions and that the current working directory is not included in the library search path. Additionally, system administrators should implement application whitelisting policies and regular security audits to detect and prevent unauthorized dll file placements. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, highlighting the need for comprehensive endpoint protection measures and behavioral monitoring to detect anomalous library loading patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.