CVE-2015-1758 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in the LoadLibrary function in the kernel in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, and Windows RT allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory, aka "Windows LoadLibrary EoP Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1758 represents a critical untrusted search path weakness within the Windows kernel's LoadLibrary function implementation. This flaw affects multiple Windows operating systems including Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, and Windows RT. The vulnerability operates through a privilege escalation vector where malicious actors can manipulate the dynamic link library loading process to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The issue stems from how the system resolves library paths during dynamic loading operations, creating opportunities for attackers to place malicious DLL files in directories that are searched before legitimate system locations.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the Windows kernel's improper handling of library search paths when LoadLibrary is invoked. When applications or system processes attempt to load dynamic link libraries, the operating system follows a specific search order that includes current working directory, system directories, and PATH environment variables. In the case of CVE-2015-1758, the kernel's implementation fails to properly validate or sanitize these search paths, allowing local users to place malicious DLL files in directories that are searched before secure system locations. This creates a classic Trojan horse scenario where legitimate system processes inadvertently load attacker-controlled code. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level, providing attackers with elevated privileges that can bypass standard user access controls and security boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Local attackers with minimal privileges can exploit this weakness to elevate their access level to SYSTEM or administrator privileges, enabling them to modify system files, install persistent backdoors, or access sensitive data. The attack requires only local access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in environments where user accounts have broader access rights or where system administrators might inadvertently execute untrusted applications. This vulnerability can be exploited in various attack scenarios including social engineering campaigns, where users might be tricked into running malicious applications that leverage the compromised search path behavior.
Security professionals should implement several mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The most effective approach involves ensuring proper system hardening through the implementation of secure coding practices and the use of Windows Defender Application Control or similar application whitelisting solutions. Organizations should also maintain up-to-date system patches and monitor for suspicious DLL loading activities through process monitoring tools. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path, which specifically addresses the dangers of untrusted search paths in software development. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques using dynamic link library loading, specifically T1055.011 for Process Injection and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation. The threat landscape demonstrates that such vulnerabilities are particularly attractive to advanced persistent threat actors who seek to establish persistent access within compromised systems. Microsoft's patch release for this vulnerability addressed the core search path resolution logic in the kernel's LoadLibrary implementation, requiring attackers to have more sophisticated methods to achieve similar privilege escalation effects.