CVE-2014-8398 in FastFlick
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple untrusted search path vulnerabilities in Corel FastFlick allow local users to execute arbitrary code and conduct DLL hijacking attacks via a Trojan horse (1) igfxcmrt32.dll, (2) ipl.dll, (3) MSPStyleLib.dll, (4) uFioUtil.dll, (5) uhDSPlay.dll, (6) uipl.dll, (7) uvipl.dll, (8) VC1DecDll.dll, or (9) VC1DecDll_SSE3.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-2014-8398 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within Corel FastFlick software that exposes users to arbitrary code execution and DLL hijacking attacks. This flaw exists in the application's dynamic link library loading mechanism where the software fails to properly validate or restrict the locations from which it loads required components. The vulnerability specifically affects nine distinct DLL files including igfxcmrt32.dll, ipl.dll, MSPStyleLib.dll, uFioUtil.dll, uhDSPlay.dll, uipl.dll, uvipl.dll, VC1DecDll.dll, and VC1DecDll_SSE3.dll, all of which can be exploited through malicious Trojan horse files placed in the same directory as the target file being processed.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates under CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which occurs when an application searches for libraries in a predictable order without proper validation of source locations. The flaw allows attackers to place malicious versions of these specific DLL files in the working directory of the application, causing the software to load these compromised libraries instead of the legitimate system versions. This creates a classic DLL hijacking scenario where the attacker can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable application. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it requires no special privileges beyond those normally available to a local user and can be executed through simple file placement in the application's directory.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass broader security implications for enterprise environments and individual users. Local attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, install backdoors, or conduct persistent surveillance on compromised systems. The attack is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered automatically when users process media files through Corel FastFlick, making it difficult to predict or prevent. The vulnerability also aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1574 DLL Side Loading, which describes how adversaries abuse legitimate system processes to load malicious code. Organizations running this software face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches through this vector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8398 should focus on immediate patching of the affected software, as Corel has released updates to address the search path vulnerabilities. System administrators should implement application whitelisting policies to restrict which DLLs can be loaded by FastFlick and related applications. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by running the application with minimal necessary permissions and by ensuring that user directories where these applications operate are properly secured. Network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious file creation in application directories can help detect exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous DLL loading patterns and automatically alert security teams to potential attacks. Regular security assessments of third-party software installations can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications that may be susceptible to the same class of attack.