CVE-2017-10892 in Music Center for PC
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Music Center for PC version 1.0.00 allows an attacker to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/11/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10892 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within the Music Center for PC version 1.0.00 software ecosystem. This flaw stems from the application's improper handling of dynamic link library loading mechanisms, specifically when searching for required runtime components. The vulnerability manifests when the application attempts to load DLL files from directories that are not properly secured or validated, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can place crafted Trojan horse DLL files in strategic locations within the file system. The affected software operates under the assumption that all DLLs loaded from its search path are legitimate and trustworthy, failing to implement proper validation mechanisms to verify the authenticity and integrity of these dynamic libraries. This design oversight creates a privilege escalation vector that can be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with common software security patterns where applications fail to implement proper DLL search order protection mechanisms. The flaw can be categorized under CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which specifically addresses situations where applications search for libraries or executables in directories that can be manipulated by unprivileged users. The vulnerability exists because the Music Center for PC application does not employ secure coding practices to prevent the loading of DLLs from potentially compromised locations. Attackers can exploit this by placing a malicious DLL file in a directory that appears earlier in the system's search path, causing the legitimate application to load and execute the attacker-controlled code instead of the intended legitimate library. This behavior can be further enhanced through techniques such as DLL preloading attacks or by manipulating the system PATH environment variable to prioritize malicious directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to escalate privileges within the context of the running application. When an attacker successfully places a Trojan horse DLL in an accessible directory, the Music Center for PC application will load this malicious component during normal operation, potentially allowing the attacker to execute commands with the same privileges as the application itself. This can result in complete system compromise, especially if the application runs with elevated privileges or has access to sensitive system resources. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that it can be exploited without requiring user interaction beyond the initial installation or execution of the vulnerable software, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such applications may be widely deployed. The attack surface is broadened by the fact that the vulnerability affects the application's ability to properly validate library loading paths, potentially enabling lateral movement within a network if the application is used in shared or multi-user environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-10892 should focus on implementing secure coding practices that prevent untrusted search path exploitation. Organizations should ensure that the Music Center for PC application is updated to a version that addresses this vulnerability through proper DLL loading mechanisms and secure search path implementation. System administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict which DLLs can be loaded by the application, particularly in environments where the software is used with elevated privileges. The implementation of Windows Defender Application Control or similar technologies can provide additional protection by enforcing code integrity policies that prevent the loading of unsigned or untrusted DLLs. Additionally, the system PATH environment variable should be carefully managed to ensure that directories containing untrusted code are not prioritized in the search order. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, emphasizing the need for defensive measures that prevent unauthorized code execution and privilege escalation within the application's operational context.