CVE-2017-15913 in Whale
Summary
by MITRE
The Installer in Whale allows DLL hijacking.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15913 affects the Whale browser installer component, specifically exposing it to dynamic link library (dll) hijacking attacks. This issue represents a critical security flaw in the software installation process that can be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of dynamic library loading during the installation process, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate the execution flow of the installer.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the installer's failure to properly validate or control the search path used when loading dynamic libraries. When the Whale installer attempts to load required dll components, it follows a predictable search order that may include insecure directories where malicious actors can place crafted dll files. This behavior aligns with common software supply chain attack patterns and represents a classic dll hijacking vector. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it occurs during the installation phase when the installer typically runs with elevated privileges, providing attackers with potential access to system-level operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations deploying the Whale browser. Attackers can exploit this weakness by placing malicious dll files in directories that the installer will search, effectively gaining code execution capabilities without requiring user interaction beyond the initial installation request. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it can enable full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent access. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the attack tree framework, particularly those involving installation package manipulation and privilege escalation through software supply chain attacks.
The security implications of CVE-2017-15913 are substantial and align with CWE-426, which addresses the insecure loading of dynamic libraries. This weakness specifically manifests as an unquoted search path vulnerability where the installer does not properly quote or validate the paths it uses to locate required libraries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where software installation processes are automated or where users may not be security-aware. Organizations using Whale browser are at risk of having their systems compromised through simple dll hijacking techniques that require minimal skill to execute successfully.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through official patches provided by Whale developers, along with defensive measures such as implementing application control policies that restrict dll loading from untrusted locations. Network-level controls can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while system hardening measures should ensure that installation directories have appropriate access controls. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring for suspicious dll loading activities and maintaining updated threat intelligence on related attack patterns. The remediation process should include verifying the integrity of installation packages and ensuring that all software components follow secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future releases.