CVE-2017-12414 in Format Factory
Summary
by MITRE
Format Factory 4.1.0 has a DLL Hijacking Vulnerability because an untrusted search path is used for msimg32.dll, WindowsCodecs.dll, and dwmapi.dll.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12414 represents a critical DLL hijacking flaw in Format Factory version 4.1.0 that stems from improper handling of dynamic link library resolution within the application's search path. This vulnerability specifically affects three system libraries including msimg32.dll, WindowsCodecs.dll, and dwmapi.dll, which are essential components for various Windows functionalities. The root cause lies in the application's failure to properly validate and restrict the directories from which it loads these critical DLL files, creating an exploitable condition that adversaries can leverage for privilege escalation and code execution.
The technical flaw manifests when Format Factory attempts to load the specified DLL libraries without implementing secure library loading practices. The application employs an untrusted search path that allows the system to search in directories outside of the application's intended installation folder, including the current working directory and other potentially compromised locations. This behavior violates the principle of least privilege and creates opportunities for attackers to place malicious DLL files in strategic locations where they will be loaded before the legitimate system libraries. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-426 Untrusted Search Path, which specifically addresses the risks associated with applications that do not properly control the order of library loading.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to system security and integrity. Attackers can exploit this condition by placing malicious DLL files with the same names as the vulnerable libraries in directories that appear earlier in the Windows DLL search order. When Format Factory executes and attempts to load these libraries, the malicious versions are loaded instead of the legitimate system versions, potentially allowing for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the application. This could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors within the affected environment. The impact extends beyond individual systems to potentially affect entire networks if multiple vulnerable instances exist.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms. Adversaries can leverage this condition to execute malicious code with elevated privileges, potentially bypassing standard security controls. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers may use the compromised application to execute malicious payloads. Organizations should consider this vulnerability when assessing their threat landscape and implementing security controls, as it represents a classic example of how improper library loading practices can create persistent security weaknesses.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12414 should include immediate application of vendor patches and updates, implementation of proper DLL loading practices, and deployment of security controls such as application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized DLL execution. System administrators should also consider implementing security measures that restrict write access to application directories and monitor for suspicious DLL loading activities. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper library loading mechanisms in preventing DLL hijacking attacks. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other applications and implement comprehensive security awareness training to prevent exploitation through social engineering or other attack vectors.