CVE-2017-11653 in Synapse
Summary
by MITRE
Razer Synapse 2.20.15.1104 and earlier uses weak permissions for the Devices directory, which allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse (1) RazerConfigNative.dll or (2) RazerConfigNativeLOC.dll file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11653 affects Razer Synapse version 2.20.15.1104 and earlier, representing a critical privilege escalation issue within the device configuration management system. This flaw stems from inadequate permission controls applied to the Devices directory, creating a dangerous attack surface that adversaries can exploit to elevate their system privileges. The vulnerability specifically targets the RazerConfigNative.dll and RazerConfigNativeLOC.dll components, which are integral to the software's device configuration processes and are susceptible to Trojan horse attacks through malicious file replacement techniques.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves weak directory permissions that allow local users to modify or replace critical system files within the Devices directory structure. When Razer Synapse executes, it loads these configuration DLL files which are expected to be legitimate components from the vendor. However, due to insufficient permission controls, an attacker can place malicious versions of these DLL files in the directory, causing the legitimate application to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. This represents a classic privilege escalation vector where local user access can be leveraged to achieve system-level privileges, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or when users have administrative access.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to system resources and potentially compromise the entire computing environment. The attack requires local system access, which makes it particularly concerning for environments where users have elevated privileges or where privilege escalation is a common attack vector. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat that can be exploited to maintain access, escalate privileges, and potentially exfiltrate sensitive data from systems running affected Razer Synapse versions. This weakness directly violates the principle of least privilege and creates a backdoor for persistent threats to establish system-level control.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices for access control mechanisms. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques under T1068, where adversaries exploit weaknesses in system permissions to gain elevated privileges. The attack vector specifically corresponds to T1059, representing execution through legitimate system processes, as the malicious DLL files are loaded through normal application execution flows. Organizations should consider implementing proper file system permissions, regular security audits, and monitoring for unauthorized file modifications in system directories to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected Razer Synapse versions to the latest releases that address the permission control issues. System administrators should implement proper file system permissions that restrict write access to the Devices directory and related configuration files. Additional protective measures include regular security scanning for unauthorized file modifications, implementing application whitelisting policies, and monitoring for suspicious DLL loading activities. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar permission-related weaknesses in other system components and ensure that all software components follow secure coding practices with proper access control mechanisms. The remediation process should include verification that the updated software properly implements secure file permissions and that no malicious files remain in the affected directories.