CVE-2017-11748 in Spider Player
Summary
by MITRE
VIT Spider Player 2.5.3 has an untrusted search path, allowing DLL hijacking via a Trojan horse dwmapi.dll, olepro32.dll, dsound.dll, or AUDIOSES.dll file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11748 affects VIT Spider Player version 2.5.3 and represents a critical security flaw related to insecure library loading mechanisms. This issue stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize the search path used when loading dynamic link libraries, creating an environment where malicious actors can exploit the system through DLL hijacking techniques. The vulnerability specifically targets the application's handling of several system libraries including dwmapi.dll, olepro32.dll, dsound.dll, and AUDIOSES.dll, which are commonly used in multimedia and audio processing operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a Trojan horse attack vector where attackers place malicious DLL files in directories that the vulnerable application searches before checking the system's official library locations. This untrusted search path behavior allows adversaries to inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the targeted application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The flaw aligns with CWE-427, which describes uncontrolled search path dependencies, and represents a classic example of how improper library loading can create persistent attack vectors. When the vulnerable Spider Player application attempts to load one of the targeted DLLs, it traverses the search path and encounters the malicious file first, causing the system to execute the attacker's code instead of the legitimate library.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the target environment. Since VIT Spider Player is often used for media playback and audio processing tasks, attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish backdoors, harvest system information, or deploy additional malware payloads. The attack requires minimal privileges and can be executed remotely through various delivery mechanisms such as malicious websites, email attachments, or compromised software distribution channels. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where media players are frequently used and may have elevated privileges or access to sensitive data. The persistence of this attack vector means that once successfully exploited, the malicious DLL can continue to execute each time the vulnerable application is launched, creating a long-term security risk.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11748 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor's official patch or update that addresses the untrusted search path issue by implementing proper library loading mechanisms that prioritize system directories over user-controllable paths. Organizations should also implement application whitelisting policies to restrict which DLLs can be loaded by the application, as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under technique T1127 for trusted developer utilities. Additional protective measures include implementing strict file system permissions, monitoring for unauthorized DLL placements in application directories, and conducting regular security audits of installed media applications. Network-level defenses such as intrusion detection systems can help identify attempts to place malicious DLL files in vulnerable application directories. Organizations should also consider using tools like Microsoft's Application Control policies or similar technologies to enforce secure library loading practices and prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in other applications that may exhibit similar insecure search path behaviors.