CVE-2017-12730 in myPRO
Summary
by MITRE
An Unquoted Search Path issue was discovered in mySCADA myPRO Versions 7.0.26 and prior. Application services utilize unquoted search path elements, which could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12730 represents a critical security flaw in mySCADA myPRO Versions 7.0.26 and earlier, specifically targeting the application's service execution mechanisms. This issue stems from the improper configuration of search paths within the software's service components, creating a fundamental weakness that can be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the Windows service architecture implementation where the application services are configured to use unquoted search paths in their executable references. When Windows encounters a service configuration with an unquoted path containing spaces, it follows a specific resolution process that begins searching in the current directory before proceeding to the system path. This behavior creates a privilege escalation opportunity because an attacker can place a malicious executable with the same name as the service in a directory that appears earlier in the search order, effectively hijacking the legitimate service execution. This flaw directly maps to CWE-428, which categorizes insecure search path vulnerabilities where applications fail to properly quote paths during execution, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes the exploitation of privilege escalation vectors through service misconfigurations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to achieve elevated system privileges without requiring additional exploitation techniques. Once an attacker successfully places malicious code in the appropriate location within the search path, the compromised service will execute this code with the privileges of the user who started the service, typically SYSTEM level privileges on Windows systems. This escalation allows for complete system compromise, data exfiltration, persistence mechanisms establishment, and further lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in industrial control systems where mySCADA myPRO is commonly deployed, as these environments often require high availability and security, making such privilege escalation opportunities extremely valuable to attackers seeking to disrupt critical infrastructure operations.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including proper quoting of all search paths in service configurations, regular security auditing of service installations, and privilege minimization practices for service accounts. The recommended approach involves configuring all service executable paths with proper quotation marks to prevent the Windows search path resolution from traversing unintended directories. Additionally, implementing least privilege principles for service accounts, conducting regular security assessments of installed services, and monitoring for unauthorized changes to service configurations can significantly reduce the risk exposure. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and ensuring that all software installations follow secure configuration practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in the future. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper system hardening in preventing privilege escalation attacks that can compromise entire network infrastructures.