CVE-2017-14029 in VTScada
Summary
by MITRE
An Uncontrolled Search Path Element issue was discovered in Trihedral VTScada 11.3.03 and prior. The program will execute specially crafted malicious dll files placed on the target machine.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14029 represents a critical uncontrolled search path element flaw within Trihedral VTScada version 11.3.03 and earlier installations. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-427 category, which specifically addresses Uncontrolled Search Path Element, where an application searches for files in directories that can be manipulated by attackers to load malicious code. The affected software operates under the assumption that certain system paths will contain only legitimate components, creating an attack surface where adversaries can place malicious dynamic link libraries in strategic locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the Trihedral VTScada application attempts to load dynamic link libraries without properly validating or sanitizing the search paths. Attackers can place specially crafted malicious dll files in directories that the application searches through, such as the current working directory or system directories, causing the application to execute unintended code when it attempts to load these libraries. This flaw essentially allows for arbitrary code execution at the privilege level of the running process, which typically operates with elevated permissions in industrial control systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly within industrial environments where Trihedral VTScada is commonly deployed for supervisory control and data acquisition systems. These systems often control critical infrastructure components including power generation, water treatment, and manufacturing processes. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain persistent access to the industrial control environment, potentially leading to system disruption, data manipulation, or even physical damage to operational equipment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows for execution of malicious code without requiring authentication or specialized knowledge of the target system beyond placing files in specific locations.
Security practitioners should implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves updating to the latest version of Trihedral VTScada where the search path handling has been properly secured. Additionally, system administrators should implement strict file system permissions and monitoring to prevent unauthorized dll file placement in critical directories. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running the application with minimal required permissions and by implementing application whitelisting solutions that prevent execution of unsigned or unauthorized dll files. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify potential paths where malicious files could be introduced into the system environment. This vulnerability aligns with attack patterns described in the attack technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1106 for Execution of File, demonstrating how uncontrolled search paths can serve as a gateway for broader system compromise within industrial control environments.