CVE-2017-14010 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
An uncontrolled search path element vulnerability has been identified which could be exploited by placing a specially crafted DLL file in the search path. If the malicious DLL is loaded prior to the valid DLL, an attacker could execute arbitrary code on the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14010 represents a critical uncontrolled search path element flaw that fundamentally undermines system security through improper dynamic link library loading mechanisms. This weakness falls under the broader category of software security vulnerabilities where applications fail to properly validate the source and integrity of dynamically loaded libraries, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary code into running processes. The vulnerability specifically targets the Windows operating system's dynamic loading behavior where applications search for required DLL files in a predetermined order without sufficient validation of the file origins.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the inherent trust model within Windows application loading processes where the system searches for DLL files in a specific sequence including the current working directory, system directories, and user-defined paths. When an application fails to explicitly specify the full path to required libraries or when it relies on the default search order, attackers can manipulate the environment by placing malicious DLL files in directories that are searched before legitimate system libraries. This creates a window of opportunity where the system loads the attacker-controlled DLL instead of the intended legitimate library, effectively allowing code execution with the privileges of the running application.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14010 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential privilege escalation scenarios and persistent system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code in the context of the target application, which may have elevated privileges depending on the application's security context. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal user interaction and can be exploited through various attack vectors including phishing emails, malicious websites, or compromised software installations. The exploitation mechanism aligns with the attack pattern described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 technique for command and script interpreter execution, where adversaries use legitimate system tools to execute malicious code through the compromised DLL loading process.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, including the application of the principle of least privilege, implementing strict DLL loading policies, and utilizing application whitelisting solutions to prevent unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which specifically addresses the danger of programs searching for libraries in insecure directories that could be manipulated by attackers. Organizations should also deploy monitoring solutions to detect suspicious DLL loading activities and implement proper application sandboxing to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The recommended mitigations include configuring applications to use absolute paths for DLL loading, enabling Windows Defender Application Control, and conducting regular security assessments to identify applications vulnerable to this type of attack vector.