CVE-2016-2780 in UTPS
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Huawei UTPS before UTPS-V200R003B015D15SP00C983 allows local users to execute arbitrary code and conduct DLL hijacking attacks via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2780 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting Huawei UTPS software versions prior to UTPS-V200R003B015D15SP00C983. This flaw resides in the software's dynamic link library (dll) loading mechanism, creating a dangerous condition where the system searches for required libraries in insecure directories. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-427 category, which specifically addresses uncontrolled search path, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for execution through command and scripting interpreter. The root cause stems from the application's failure to properly validate or restrict the search path used when loading dynamic libraries, allowing attackers to place malicious dll files in directories that are searched before legitimate system locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables local privilege escalation through DLL hijacking attacks. An attacker with local access can place a malicious Trojan horse dll file in an unspecified directory that the vulnerable application will search through during runtime. When the application attempts to load a required library, it inadvertently loads the attacker-controlled dll instead of the legitimate one, leading to arbitrary code execution. This type of attack is particularly dangerous because it operates at the system level without requiring network access or complex exploitation techniques. The vulnerability essentially grants attackers the ability to execute code with the privileges of the running process, which could range from standard user privileges to elevated system access depending on how the vulnerable application is configured and executed.
The security implications extend beyond simple code execution to encompass broader system compromise potential. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malicious payloads. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond gaining local access to the system, making it a preferred method for attackers seeking to maintain access or escalate privileges within compromised environments. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in the context of the broader attack surface, particularly in environments where local access controls may be insufficient or where users have elevated privileges. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper privilege separation and secure coding practices, as it highlights how seemingly simple library loading mechanisms can create significant security weaknesses that bypass traditional network-based defenses.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing secure library loading practices and restricting the search path used by vulnerable applications. System administrators should immediately upgrade to UTPS-V200R003B015D15SP00C983 or later versions where this vulnerability has been patched. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies, monitoring for unusual dll loading patterns, and conducting regular security assessments of local directories can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding guidelines such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and Microsoft's Secure Coding Guidelines, which emphasize proper library path handling and the principle of least privilege in application design. Organizations should also consider implementing security monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior related to dynamic library loading and provide alerts when suspicious dll files are loaded into memory.