CVE-2017-14019 in Movicon
Summary
by MITRE
An Unquoted Search Path or Element issue was discovered in Progea Movicon Version 11.5.1181 and prior. An unquoted search path or element vulnerability has been identified, which may allow an authorized local user to insert arbitrary code into the unquoted service path and escalate his or her privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14019 represents a critical security flaw in Progea Movicon version 11.5.1181 and earlier installations, classified under CWE-428 as an Unquoted Search Path or Element weakness. This issue arises when Windows attempts to execute a service or application but encounters a service path that lacks proper quotation marks around directory names containing spaces. The vulnerability specifically affects the Movicon software's service execution mechanism where the system searches for executables in a series of directories without proper path quoting, creating an exploitable condition.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an authorized local user manipulates the system's search path by placing a malicious executable file in a directory that appears earlier in the search sequence than the legitimate application. Since the service path is not quoted, Windows will traverse directories in the PATH environment variable until it finds an executable with the matching name. This behavior creates a race condition where attackers can place malicious binaries in directories like "C:\Program Files\Some Folder" before the legitimate application, causing the system to execute the attacker's code instead of the intended program.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable versions of Movicon. This weakness enables lateral movement within networks where such industrial control systems are deployed, as the attacker can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the service account. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in industrial environments where Movicon is used for process control and automation, as it could potentially lead to system compromise and operational disruption. According to ATT&CK framework technique T1068, this vulnerability enables privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms that could be leveraged for more extensive attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14019 involve multiple layers of defensive measures including immediate patching of affected systems to the latest versions of Progea Movicon, proper quoting of service paths during installation, and implementing the principle of least privilege for service accounts. System administrators should conduct thorough audits of all service paths to ensure proper quotation and remove unnecessary directories from the PATH environment variable. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for unusual service execution patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper service installation procedures, aligning with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-128 and ISO/IEC 27001 standards for industrial control systems security. Organizations should also implement regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify similar unquoted search path issues across their industrial control system infrastructure.