CVE-2014-4634 in Replication Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Unquoted Windows search path vulnerability in EMC Replication Manager through 5.5.2 and AppSync before 2.1.0 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse application with a name composed of an initial substring of a path that contains a space character.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4634 represents a critical unquoted search path weakness affecting EMC Replication Manager versions up to 5.5.2 and AppSync versions prior to 2.1.0. This flaw resides in the Windows operating system's path resolution mechanism where applications fail to properly quote directory paths during execution, creating opportunities for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability specifically exploits how Windows searches for executables when a path contains spaces, allowing malicious actors to place Trojan horse applications in strategic locations within the search path.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of spaces in directory names within the application's execution environment. When Windows encounters a path containing spaces, it performs a search through the PATH environment variable using the first segment of the path as a starting point. If the path is not properly quoted, an attacker can create a malicious executable with a name that matches the initial portion of a legitimate path component, effectively intercepting execution before the intended application runs. This behavior aligns with CWE-428, which describes the weakness of unquoted search paths, and falls under the broader category of privilege escalation vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the system. Local users can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially compromising the integrity of the entire replication management system. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit and can be automated, making it attractive to both malicious actors and red teams conducting security assessments. This vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper path handling in enterprise software, as it affects critical data protection and recovery systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4634 should focus on immediate patching of affected EMC products, with administrators upgrading to versions that properly quote search paths. System administrators should also implement proper PATH environment variable management, ensuring that all directory paths containing spaces are properly quoted and that unnecessary directories are removed from the search path. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting solutions and monitoring for suspicious process creation events can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework as privilege escalation through process injection techniques emphasizes the need for comprehensive endpoint protection measures. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify other potential unquoted path vulnerabilities within their Windows environments, particularly in enterprise applications that may be subject to similar flaws.