CVE-2017-11652 in Synapse
Summary
by MITRE
Razer Synapse 2.20.15.1104 and earlier uses weak permissions for the CrashReporter directory, which allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse dbghelp.dll file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11652 affects Razer Synapse version 2.20.15.1104 and earlier, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw within the software's directory permission structure. This issue stems from the improper configuration of access controls for the CrashReporter directory, which is a component designed to collect crash information from applications running on the system. The weak permissions create an exploitable condition that allows local attackers to manipulate the system's execution flow by placing malicious files in this directory. The vulnerability specifically targets the dbghelp.dll file, which serves as a critical debugging utility in windows operating systems and is often loaded by various applications during runtime.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a Trojan horse attack vector where an attacker places a malicious dbghelp.dll file in the CrashReporter directory. When the legitimate Razer Synapse application attempts to load debugging components, it inadvertently loads the attacker-controlled malicious library instead of the legitimate system component. This behavior constitutes a privilege escalation attack since the malicious code executes with the elevated privileges of the legitimate application, potentially allowing attackers to perform actions that would otherwise be restricted to administrators. The flaw directly relates to CWE-276, which describes inadequate permissions for critical system resources, and represents a classic example of a DLL hijacking vulnerability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the system that can be leveraged for further exploitation. Local users who gain access to the system can utilize this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack requires local access to the system but does not require network connectivity, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical access is possible. This vulnerability affects the Windows operating system environment and can be exploited across multiple applications that rely on the standard debugging libraries, creating a widespread potential impact. The persistence mechanism provided by this vulnerability allows attackers to maintain access even after system reboots, as the malicious component is loaded automatically during system startup processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11652 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and permission hardening. The most effective solution involves upgrading to Razer Synapse version 2.20.15.1105 or later, which addresses the weak directory permissions issue through proper access control implementation. System administrators should also implement additional security measures including regular permission audits of critical directories, monitoring for unauthorized file modifications, and ensuring that only trusted applications have write access to system directories. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through the exploitation of system services and libraries, and can be detected through behavioral monitoring that identifies suspicious DLL loading patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and ensuring that the CrashReporter directory and similar system directories maintain appropriate permissions with minimal write access to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in other software applications.