CVE-2015-2264 in Analytics Monitor Library
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple untrusted search path vulnerabilities in (1) EQATEC.Analytics.Monitor.Win32_vc100.dll and (2) EQATEC.Analytics.Monitor.Win32_vc100-x64.dll in Telerik Analytics Monitor Library before 3.2.125 allow local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse (a) csunsapi.dll, (b) swift.dll, (c) nfhwcrhk.dll, or (d) surewarehook.dll file in an unspecified directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2264 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting the Telerik Analytics Monitor Library components EQATEC.Analytics.Monitor.Win32_vc100.dll and EQATEC.Analytics.Monitor.Win32_vc100-x64.dll in versions prior to 3.2.125. This flaw falls under the category of CWE-426 Untrusted Search Path, which occurs when applications search for required libraries in directories that are not properly secured or validated, creating opportunities for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability specifically targets the dynamic link library loading mechanism where the application fails to properly validate the source of loaded modules, allowing attackers to place malicious DLL files in directories that are searched before legitimate system directories.
The attack vector involves local users exploiting the insecure search path by placing specially crafted malicious DLL files named csunsapi.dll, swift.dll, nfhwcrhk.dll, or surewarehook.dll in directories that are prioritized in the system's library search order. This technique is commonly referred to as DLL hijacking or DLL preloading, which is catalogued in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique T1574.001 for DLL Side-Loading. The affected Telerik components are particularly vulnerable because they use a default search path that includes the current working directory and other user-writable locations, allowing attackers to inject malicious code that will execute with the privileges of the target application. This creates a significant security risk as the malicious DLLs can execute arbitrary code and potentially escalate privileges to system level access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or perform further exploitation within the compromised environment. When an application using the vulnerable Telerik Analytics Monitor Library is launched, it will automatically attempt to load these malicious DLLs from the compromised search path, resulting in unauthorized code execution without requiring user interaction or elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the library, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited across multiple system architectures. This flaw demonstrates poor secure coding practices and highlights the importance of implementing proper DLL loading security measures such as using LoadLibrary with full paths or enabling DEP/ASLR protections.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate patching of the Telerik Analytics Monitor Library to version 3.2.125 or later, which contains fixes for the untrusted search path issues. Organizations should also implement proper application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized DLL execution, configure the Windows search path to prioritize system directories over user-writable locations, and employ security tools that can detect and prevent DLL hijacking attempts. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough security audits to identify other applications that may be using vulnerable versions of the Telerik components, as the impact of such vulnerabilities can extend across multiple software products that depend on the affected library. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure library loading practices and proper input validation in preventing privilege escalation attacks that can compromise entire systems.