CVE-2015-4674 in TimeDoctor Pro
Summary
by MITRE
The autoupdate implementation in TimeDoctor Pro 1.4.72.3 on Windows relies on unsigned installer files that are retrieved without use of SSL, which makes it easier for man-in-the-middle attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4674 resides within the autoupdate mechanism of TimeDoctor Pro version 1.4.72.3 for Windows systems, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of the software update process. This weakness stems from the application's reliance on unsigned installer files that are downloaded without the protection of secure communication protocols, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors. The implementation violates fundamental security principles by failing to validate the authenticity and integrity of update components, thereby exposing users to potential compromise during routine software maintenance operations. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of software supply chain security and network communication integrity, where the absence of cryptographic validation creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate the update process.
The technical flaw manifests through the absence of Secure Sockets Layer or Transport Layer Security protection during the download of update files, combined with the lack of digital signatures on the installer packages. This dual weakness allows attackers positioned within the network traffic path to intercept and replace legitimate update files with malicious payloads without detection. The absence of SSL/TLS encryption means that update metadata and executable components can be modified in transit, while the lack of code signing prevents the application from verifying the authenticity of downloaded files. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of encryption, and CWE-502, which covers deserialization of untrusted data, as the unsigned installer files represent untrusted components that are executed without proper verification. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1070.004, which involves the use of system binary proxy execution, and T1557.001, focusing on credential access through interception of network traffic.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of systems running TimeDoctor Pro 1.4.72.3. Attackers can leverage this weakness to deliver malware, backdoors, or other malicious payloads that persist on target systems while maintaining operational stealth. The vulnerability affects not only individual user machines but also enterprise environments where centralized software management and automated updates are common practices. The risk is particularly elevated in network environments where attackers have access to network monitoring capabilities, as they can easily intercept and modify update traffic without detection. Organizations relying on TimeDoctor Pro for time tracking and productivity monitoring face potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive business information, as the update process represents a trusted pathway that attackers can exploit to gain persistent access to systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4674 require immediate implementation of multiple security controls to address both the network-level and application-level vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement network-level protections such as SSL inspection and deep packet inspection to monitor and validate update traffic, while also enforcing strict network access controls to prevent unauthorized interception of update communications. The application itself must be updated to implement proper code signing verification and secure communication protocols for all update downloads, ensuring that digital signatures are validated before execution. Security patches should be deployed immediately to address the root cause, with network administrators implementing monitoring solutions to detect suspicious update activity or unauthorized file modifications. Additionally, organizations should establish robust software inventory management practices to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across their software ecosystem, while implementing zero-trust network principles that verify all components regardless of their source. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of update mechanisms to ensure that security controls do not inadvertently break legitimate update functionality while maintaining the integrity of the software supply chain.