CVE-2017-14397 in AnyDesk
Summary
by MITRE
AnyDesk before 3.6.1 on Windows has a DLL injection vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14397 represents a critical security flaw in AnyDesk software versions prior to 3.6.1 on Windows operating systems. This issue stems from improper handling of dynamic link library (DLL) loading mechanisms within the application's execution flow, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary code into the running process. The vulnerability specifically affects the software's ability to securely manage external library dependencies during runtime operations.
The technical flaw manifests through a lack of proper DLL search order enforcement and insufficient validation of library paths during the loading process. Attackers can leverage this weakness by placing malicious DLL files in strategic locations that the application will prioritize during execution, effectively bypassing normal security controls. This behavior aligns with CWE-778, which addresses improper restriction of operations within a limited context, and specifically relates to CWE-427, which covers uncontrolled search path elements. The vulnerability creates a path traversal scenario where the application loads libraries from unexpected locations, enabling privilege escalation and code execution attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code injection, as it can enable attackers to gain elevated privileges on affected systems. Once successfully exploited, the malicious DLL injection allows adversaries to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the AnyDesk process, potentially leading to full system compromise. This vulnerability particularly affects remote desktop and remote access scenarios where AnyDesk is commonly deployed, making it attractive to threat actors targeting enterprise environments. The attack vector typically involves social engineering or pre-positioning malicious files in locations accessible to the application, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14397 include immediate upgrading to AnyDesk version 3.6.1 or later, which implements proper DLL loading mechanisms and secure path resolution. Organizations should also implement application whitelisting policies to restrict which DLLs can be loaded by the AnyDesk process, and deploy runtime application control solutions to monitor and prevent unauthorized library loading. Network-level protections such as firewall rules and endpoint detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious file access patterns and potential exploitation attempts. System administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any systems running vulnerable versions and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to prevent similar issues in the future. Additionally, security awareness training for users can help prevent social engineering attacks that might leverage this vulnerability.