CVE-2014-0819 in AutoCAD
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Autodesk AutoCAD before 2014 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 • 02/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0819 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting Autodesk AutoCAD versions prior to 2014. This flaw resides in the software's dynamic link library loading mechanism, where the application fails to properly validate the source and integrity of dynamically loaded modules. The vulnerability stems from the application's tendency to load DLL files from the current working directory before checking system directories, creating an exploitable condition that adversaries can leverage for privilege escalation.
This security weakness manifests as a classic DLL injection vulnerability that aligns with CWE-427, which specifically addresses uncontrolled search path dependencies in software applications. The flaw operates under the principle that AutoCAD does not enforce a secure search order for dynamic libraries, allowing attackers to place malicious DLL files in the same directory as the target executable. When the application executes and attempts to load required libraries, it inadvertently loads the attacker-controlled DLL instead of the legitimate system version, potentially executing arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass broader system compromise possibilities. Local attackers with access to the victim's system can exploit this weakness to execute malicious code without requiring elevated privileges initially, as the application itself runs with the user's permissions. This creates a significant risk for environments where AutoCAD is used with administrative privileges or in networked settings where multiple users share common directories. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where AutoCAD is widely deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0819 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves updating to Autodesk AutoCAD 2014 or later versions, which address the untrusted search path issue through proper DLL loading mechanisms. Organizations should also implement strict directory permissions and access controls, particularly for directories where AutoCAD executables reside. Additionally, security hardening measures including application whitelisting, secure coding practices, and regular vulnerability assessments should be implemented. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence, making it a critical target for defensive measures. System administrators should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that detect unusual DLL loading patterns and maintain comprehensive audit trails to identify potential exploitation attempts.