CVE-2017-10860 in i-filter
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in "i-filter 6.0 installer" timestamp of code signing is before 23 Aug 2017 (JST) allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code via a specially crafted executable file in an unspecified directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10860 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within the i-filter 6.0 installer component. This flaw stems from the code signing certificate's timestamp being prior to August 23 2017 JST, creating a window where the installer's trust model becomes compromised. The vulnerability resides in the installer's handling of executable files within unspecified directories, where the system fails to properly validate the source and integrity of code before execution. This weakness allows attackers to place malicious executables in directories that the installer may traverse during its operation, effectively bypassing the code signing validation mechanisms that should ensure only trusted code executes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the principle of untrusted search path manipulation as classified under CWE-426, where the installer process searches for required components in directories that an attacker can influence. When the installer processes files in these directories, it executes any executable found without proper verification of its authenticity or integrity. The timestamp validation issue specifically affects the code signing certificate's trust chain, which should have been updated to ensure that only code signed after the specified date could be considered legitimate. Attackers can exploit this by creating a malicious executable with a specific name and placing it in a directory that the installer will traverse, causing the system to execute the attacker-controlled code with the privileges of the installer process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the software's trust model and security architecture. An attacker who gains access to a system where i-filter 6.0 is installed can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the installer, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability's nature makes it particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without requiring elevated privileges initially, as the installer typically runs with elevated permissions during installation. This creates a scenario where a local attacker can leverage the installer's trust model to execute malicious code, potentially leading to persistent backdoors, data exfiltration, or further system compromise. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script interpreter execution, as the malicious code execution occurs through legitimate system processes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the i-filter 6.0 installer to address the code signing timestamp issue and implement proper directory validation. Organizations should ensure that all software installations are performed with the latest security patches and that code signing certificates are regularly updated to maintain trust in the software supply chain. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining proper timestamp validation in code signing processes, which should be aligned with industry best practices such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-78 for digital signatures and certificate management. System administrators should implement strict access controls on installation directories and monitor for unauthorized executable placements. Additionally, the use of application whitelisting solutions can provide an additional layer of protection by preventing execution of unsigned or untrusted executables, regardless of their location in the file system. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of regular security assessments of third-party software components to identify and remediate similar trust model weaknesses before they can be exploited by adversaries.