CVE-2016-7818 in Print Program
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Installers for Specification check program (social insurance) Ver. 9.00 and earlier, TODOKESHO print program Ver. 5.00 and earlier, Device data encryption program Ver. 1.00 and earlier, and TODOKESHO creation program Ver. 15.00 and earlier available prior to October 17, 2016 allows remote attackers to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2019
This vulnerability represents a classic untrusted search path issue that affects multiple software components within a specific vendor's product suite. The affected applications include specification check programs, TODOKESHO print programs, device data encryption programs, and TODOKESHO creation programs across various versions. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of dynamic link library (dll) loading mechanisms where the software searches for required libraries in predictable directories without proper validation of the library sources. This flaw creates a privileged escalation vector that can be exploited by remote attackers who place malicious dll files in the affected search paths, allowing them to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-426 Untrusted Search Path, which specifically addresses the risk of loading code from untrusted directories. Attackers can exploit this by placing a specially crafted malicious dll file in a directory that the vulnerable applications will search through during execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple related applications within the same software ecosystem, suggesting a systemic design flaw in how these components handle library loading. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that these applications are likely to be running with elevated privileges, making successful exploitation potentially catastrophic.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Given that the affected applications are related to social insurance specifications and device encryption, the potential for data exposure is significant, particularly if the applications handle personal identifiable information or financial data. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where these applications might be deployed on servers or workstations accessible over networks. The vulnerability affects versions released prior to October 17, 2016, indicating that organizations may have been exposed for an extended period without proper mitigation.
Mitigation strategies should focus on addressing the root cause through proper library loading practices and implementing the principle of least privilege for affected applications. Organizations should ensure that all vulnerable applications are updated to patched versions that properly validate library sources and implement secure search path mechanisms. System administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory checks to identify all affected installations and apply patches immediately. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, monitoring for unauthorized dll file placements in system directories, and conducting regular security assessments of software installation paths. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the software security guidelines, particularly around proper dll loading and search path management. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability would be categorized under the privilege escalation techniques within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically mapping to techniques related to valid accounts and privilege escalation through dynamic link library injection.