CVE-2017-10848 in DocuWorks
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Installers for DocuWorks 8.0.7 and earlier and DocuWorks Viewer Light published in Jul 2017 and earlier allows an attacker to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10848 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting DocuWorks installer components and viewer applications. This flaw exists within the software installation and execution processes of DocuWorks versions 8.0.7 and earlier, where the applications fail to properly validate the source of dynamically loaded libraries during the installation or execution phases. The vulnerability specifically impacts the installer executables and viewer applications that are designed to handle document processing tasks within the DocuWorks ecosystem. Security researchers identified this weakness in July 2017 when analyzing the software's dynamic library loading mechanisms. The issue stems from the applications' failure to implement proper security controls when searching for required DLL files, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to inject unauthorized code into the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the Windows dynamic link library loading mechanism by placing a malicious DLL file in a directory that is searched before the legitimate system directories. This occurs because the installer and viewer applications do not properly sanitize the search path or implement secure library loading practices. When the application executes and attempts to load required dependencies, it inadvertently loads the attacker-controlled DLL from a directory that appears earlier in the search order than system directories. This behavior aligns with common software security weaknesses categorized under CWE-427, which describes uncontrolled search path dependencies. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application, potentially escalating to system-level access depending on the execution context. The attack vector specifically targets the installation process or execution of the viewer component, where the malicious DLL can be loaded without proper validation of the file's authenticity or source.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, creating potential for privilege escalation and system compromise. When an attacker successfully places a Trojan horse DLL in an accessible directory, they can execute malicious code with the privileges of the user who runs the vulnerable application. This could lead to complete system compromise if the application runs with elevated privileges or if the user has administrative rights. The vulnerability affects not only the end-user experience but also introduces risks to enterprise environments where multiple users may be running vulnerable versions of the software. Organizations with multiple installations across various systems face significant exposure, particularly in environments where users have write access to directories that are part of the application's search path. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified because it can be exploited through social engineering attacks, where users unknowingly execute malicious installers or open compromised documents that trigger the vulnerable code paths.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-10848 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and implementation of secure coding practices. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to DocuWorks versions that have patched this vulnerability, as the vendor has released updates addressing the untrusted search path issue. Organizations should implement strict access controls to directories that are part of the application search path, ensuring that only authorized users can modify these locations. System administrators should conduct thorough inventory checks to identify all installations of vulnerable software and prioritize patching efforts. The implementation of application whitelisting policies can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, preventing unauthorized executables from running in the system. Security professionals should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that detect suspicious library loading behaviors and unauthorized DLL placements. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and script interpreter usage, and T1068 which addresses exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations should also review their software deployment processes to ensure that only trusted sources can provide installation packages and that proper code signing verification is implemented for all executables and libraries. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper library loading mechanisms in preventing privilege escalation attacks.