CVE-2016-9356 in DACenter
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Moxa DACenter Versions 1.4 and older. The application may suffer from an unquoted search path issue.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9356 affects Moxa DACenter versions 1.4 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that stems from an unquoted search path issue within the application's execution environment. This type of vulnerability occurs when an application searches for executable files in directories that are not properly quoted, creating opportunities for malicious actors to place unauthorized binaries in the search path. The flaw exists in how the application handles path resolution during execution, particularly when multiple directory levels are involved in the search process. The unquoted search path vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the application's execution flow by placing malicious executables in directories that are searched before the legitimate application binaries, potentially leading to privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-428, which specifically addresses unquoted search paths, and falls under the broader category of path traversal and execution hijacking attacks. When Moxa DACenter is launched, it searches for required libraries or executables in a series of directories without proper quoting of the path components. This behavior creates a window of opportunity for attackers who can place malicious binaries in directories such as Program Files or other system locations that are searched before the legitimate application files. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level where applications typically have elevated privileges, making successful exploitation potentially devastating for system integrity and security. The attack vector involves placing a malicious executable with the same name as a legitimate component in a directory that appears earlier in the system's PATH environment variable or application search order.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-9356 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to systems running vulnerable versions of Moxa DACenter. This vulnerability is especially dangerous in industrial control environments where Moxa devices are commonly deployed, as these systems often operate with elevated privileges and may control critical infrastructure components. The attack can be executed through various methods including social engineering, where an attacker might convince users to install malicious software, or through direct system compromise where attackers have access to modify files on the target system. Once exploited, the vulnerability can allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data or control systems. The implications are particularly severe in environments where these devices are used for network monitoring, industrial automation, or security monitoring, as attackers could potentially gain access to critical operational data or disrupt system operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-9356 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, as the vendor has released updates to address this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict access controls and privilege management to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. System administrators should also conduct thorough security audits to identify other applications that may be susceptible to similar unquoted search path vulnerabilities, as this is a common flaw that can affect numerous software applications. The implementation of application whitelisting policies can provide additional defense in depth, ensuring that only authorized executables are allowed to run on systems. Furthermore, regular security assessments should include checks for unquoted search paths in all applications, as this vulnerability type often goes undetected in routine security reviews. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1068 for local privilege escalation and potentially T1546 for persistence mechanisms, making it a significant concern for security operations teams responsible for monitoring and protecting enterprise environments.