CVE-2014-0619 in Free ZIP Archiver
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Hamster Free ZIP Archiver 2.0.1.7 allows local users to execute arbitrary code and conduct DLL hijacking attacks via a Trojan horse dwmapi.dll that is located in the current working directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/30/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0619 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within Hamster Free ZIP Archiver version 2.0.1.7 that fundamentally compromises system security through improper dynamic link library loading mechanisms. This flaw falls under the CWE-427 category of Untrusted Search Path, where applications fail to properly validate the source of dynamically loaded libraries, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the archiver application attempts to load the dwmapi.dll library, which is a legitimate Windows system component used for desktop window manager functionality, but the application's search path prioritizes the current working directory over system directories, creating a window for attack.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a Trojan horse approach where an attacker places a malicious dwmapi.dll file in the same directory as the vulnerable application or in a location that the application will search first. When the Hamster Free ZIP Archiver executes and attempts to load the dwmapi.dll library, it inadvertently loads the attacker-controlled malicious DLL from the current working directory instead of the legitimate system location. This process constitutes a classic DLL hijacking attack pattern that aligns with techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1574.001 sub-technique for DLL Side-Loading. The malicious DLL can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable application, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the target system through the exploitation of a common archive utility that users frequently interact with. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it requires minimal user interaction beyond running the vulnerable application, making it a prime candidate for social engineering campaigns or automated exploitation. The vulnerability affects local users specifically, meaning that an attacker must already have access to the target system to exploit it, but this access requirement is often achievable through various initial compromise vectors. The attack can result in privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or further system infiltration, making it a significant concern for enterprise environments where such archiving tools are commonly used.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0619 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to a patched version of Hamster Free ZIP Archiver, as the vendor has likely addressed the untrusted search path issue through proper DLL loading mechanisms. System administrators should also implement application whitelisting policies that restrict which DLLs can be loaded by applications, particularly for commonly targeted libraries like dwmapi.dll. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of running applications from untrusted directories and the importance of maintaining secure working environments. Security configurations should enforce proper DLL search order precedence, ensuring that system directories are searched before user directories, and regular security audits should verify that applications are not vulnerable to similar search path issues. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of implementing secure coding practices that explicitly validate library sources and use absolute paths for critical system components to prevent such exploitable conditions from occurring in the first place.