CVE-2014-8395 in Painter
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Corel Painter 2015 allows local users to execute arbitrary code and conduct DLL hijacking attacks via a Trojan horse wacommt.dll file that is located in the same folder as the file being processed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8395 represents a critical untrusted search path weakness in Corel Painter 2015 that enables local attackers to execute arbitrary code through DLL hijacking techniques. This flaw resides in the software's dynamic link library loading mechanism, which fails to properly validate the source and integrity of dynamically loaded modules. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes files in a directory containing a malicious wacommt.dll file, exploiting the system's default search order that prioritizes the current working directory over system directories. This behavior creates a predictable attack vector where an adversary can place a crafted malicious DLL in the same folder as a target file, causing the application to load and execute the attacker-controlled code instead of the legitimate library. The underlying technical flaw aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which occurs when applications search for libraries in directories that can be manipulated by untrusted users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise when exploited effectively. Local users with minimal privileges can leverage this weakness to escalate their access level through privilege escalation attacks, particularly when the vulnerable application runs with elevated permissions. The attack surface is broadened by the fact that many image processing applications, including Corel Painter, frequently process files from untrusted sources such as email attachments, shared network drives, or downloaded content. The DLL hijacking technique used in this exploit operates under the principle that Windows will search for required DLLs in the following order: the directory from which the application loaded, the system directory, the Windows directory, and then the directories listed in the PATH environment variable. When the target application loads a file from a directory containing the malicious wacommt.dll, the system loads the attacker's DLL before the legitimate one, effectively enabling code injection. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, making it a significant threat in both persistent and targeted attack scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8395 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. The most effective immediate solution involves patching the application to implement proper DLL loading practices, such as using LoadLibraryEx with the LOAD_WITH_ALTERED_SEARCH_PATH flag or explicitly specifying full paths to system libraries. Organizations should also implement application whitelisting policies that restrict which DLLs can be loaded by the application, particularly in directories containing user-generated content. System administrators should enforce strict directory permissions and implement the principle of least privilege when running vulnerable applications. The recommended approach includes disabling the automatic loading of DLLs from user-controllable directories and implementing strict validation of file sources through digital signatures and integrity checks. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be employed to detect anomalous DLL loading patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices, particularly regarding library loading and search path management. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime application self-protection measures and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar untrusted search path vulnerabilities across their software portfolio.