CVE-2016-4118 in Connect
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in the add-in installer in Adobe Connect before 9.5.3 on Windows allows local users to gain privileges via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4118 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within Adobe Connect's add-in installer component on Windows systems. This flaw exists in versions prior to 9.5.3 and creates a privilege escalation pathway that can be exploited by local attackers. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of the search path mechanism during add-in installation processes, where the installer fails to properly validate or sanitize the directories it searches for required components. This weakness allows malicious actors to manipulate the installation process by placing malicious files in locations that the installer will automatically access, effectively bypassing normal security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the add-in installer's reliance on a predictable search order that does not adequately verify the authenticity or integrity of components being loaded. When Adobe Connect attempts to install add-ins, it follows a specific search path that may include directories not properly secured or validated by the application. Attackers can exploit this by placing malicious DLL files or executables in these search paths, causing the installer to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element category, which specifically addresses situations where applications search for components in paths that can be manipulated by untrusted users. The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires local system access but can result in significant privilege escalation, potentially allowing attackers to gain system-level control.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a substantial risk to organizations using Adobe Connect versions below 9.5.3, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple users may have local access to systems. The attack vector is relatively straightforward for local adversaries to exploit, requiring only the ability to write files to directories within the application's search path. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability can lead to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms that are difficult to detect. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically covering privilege escalation techniques and persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond immediate exploitation as it can be leveraged as a foothold for broader network infiltration and lateral movement within compromised environments.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to Adobe Connect 9.5.3 or later versions that contain patches addressing this search path vulnerability. System administrators should also implement additional security controls including monitoring for unusual file creation patterns in application directories, implementing application whitelisting policies, and conducting regular security assessments of installed software components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in installer and update mechanisms where untrusted components are handled. Additional mitigations include restricting write permissions to critical application directories, implementing proper access controls, and maintaining up-to-date security monitoring tools that can detect anomalous behavior associated with privilege escalation attempts. Regular security awareness training for system administrators and developers can also help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future software deployments.