CVE-2017-13676 in Remove
Summary
by MITRE
Norton Remove & Reinstall can be susceptible to a DLL preloading vulnerability. These types of issues occur when an application looks to call a DLL for execution and an attacker provides a malicious DLL to use instead. Depending on how the application is configured, it will generally follow a specific search path to locate the DLL. The vulnerability can be exploited by a simple file write (or potentially an over-write) which results in a foreign DLL running under the context of the application. A Norton Remove & Reinstall update, version 4.4.0.58, has been released which addresses the aforementioned vulnerability.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13676 represents a critical DLL preloading flaw in Norton Remove & Reinstall software, exposing users to potential privilege escalation and code execution attacks. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure library loading practices that have been systematically categorized by CWE as CWE-426, which specifically addresses the insecure loading of dynamic links libraries. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate or specify the absolute path of required dynamic link libraries during runtime execution, creating an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled DLLs can be loaded in place of legitimate system components.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a simple file write operation that places a malicious DLL in a location where the vulnerable application will attempt to load it during normal operation. The application follows a predetermined search path that typically includes the current working directory, system directories, and other locations where DLLs may be found. When an attacker can control or influence the contents of these directories, particularly the current working directory or directories in the system PATH, they can effectively substitute a legitimate-looking DLL with a malicious one that executes with the privileges of the vulnerable application. This behavior aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.001, which covers the execution of malicious code through dynamic link library injection and preloading.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as the malicious DLL executes under the context of the Norton Remove & Reinstall process, which typically runs with elevated privileges due to the nature of system cleanup and removal operations. This creates a significant risk for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or escalate their privileges within the target system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a tool designed for system cleanup and removal of security software, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to bypass security controls or establish footholds in compromised environments. The fact that the vulnerability was addressed in update version 4.4.0.58 of Norton Remove & Reinstall demonstrates the importance of keeping security software up to date, as these types of issues often remain undetected for extended periods.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense against this type of vulnerability, including monitoring for unusual file creation patterns in system directories, implementing strict file system permissions, and ensuring that all security software receives timely updates. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices, particularly the use of absolute paths when loading dynamic libraries and the implementation of proper DLL search path controls. Organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized DLL loading, and network defenders should monitor for suspicious network connections that may indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation approach taken by Norton in releasing version 4.4.0.58 represents the standard industry response to such vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for regular security updates and the importance of vulnerability management programs that can quickly identify and remediate such issues across enterprise environments.