CVE-2017-12480 in Installer
Summary
by MITRE
Sandboxie installer 5071703 has a DLL Hijacking or Unsafe DLL Loading Vulnerability via a Trojan horse dwmapi.dll or profapi.dll file in an AppData\Local\Temp directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12480 represents a critical security flaw in the Sandboxie installer version 5071703 that exposes systems to potential privilege escalation and code execution attacks through unsafe dynamic link library loading practices. This issue stems from the installer's failure to properly validate and load dynamic link libraries from untrusted locations, specifically targeting the AppData\Local\Temp directory where malicious actors can place crafted DLL files to exploit the vulnerability. The flaw operates through a Trojan horse mechanism where adversaries place malicious dwmapi.dll or profapi.dll files in the temporary directory, which the vulnerable installer then loads and executes with elevated privileges. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-427 and CWE-428, which address uncontrolled search path elements and unsafe dynamic link library loading respectively, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass security controls and execute arbitrary code within the context of the installer process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the Windows dynamic link library loading mechanism by leveraging the system's default search order which prioritizes the current working directory before checking system directories. When the Sandboxie installer runs, it processes the AppData\Local\Temp directory without proper validation, allowing a malicious dwmapi.dll or profapi.dll file to be loaded instead of the legitimate system libraries. This creates a privilege escalation vector because the installer typically runs with elevated privileges, enabling the malicious code to execute with administrative rights. The attack scenario involves an adversary placing a crafted DLL file in the temporary directory before the installer executes, effectively hijacking the legitimate library loading process. This technique falls under the ATT&CK framework's T1055 category for Process Injection and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, demonstrating how unsafe library loading can be leveraged for system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-12480 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and persistent access capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, keyloggers, or other malicious software that persists beyond the initial compromise, as the elevated privileges granted by the installer execution context provide broad system access. The vulnerability affects systems where the Sandboxie installer is executed with administrative privileges, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where privileged accounts are common. Additionally, the attack requires minimal user interaction beyond the installation process, making it suitable for automated exploitation campaigns. The temporary directory nature of the attack vector means that the vulnerability can be exploited even when the system is not actively in use, as the installer may run during scheduled maintenance or automatic updates. Organizations with outdated or unpatched versions of Sandboxie remain at risk, as the vulnerability exists in the installer process itself rather than in the core application functionality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12480 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities in software installation processes. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to a patched version of Sandboxie that properly validates DLL loading paths and implements secure library loading practices. Organizations should also implement strict access controls on the AppData\Local\Temp directory to prevent unauthorized DLL placement, using discretionary access controls or mandatory access controls to restrict write permissions to only trusted processes. The principle of least privilege should be enforced during installer execution, ensuring that installation processes run with minimal required privileges rather than elevated administrative rights. System administrators should monitor for suspicious DLL file placements in temporary directories and implement application whitelisting solutions to prevent unauthorized executable code from running. Additionally, security awareness training should emphasize the dangers of running untrusted installers and the importance of verifying software authenticity before execution, as this vulnerability can be exploited through social engineering or supply chain attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices in installer development, particularly around library loading and path resolution, as highlighted in industry standards such as the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and Microsoft's Secure Development Lifecycle guidelines.