CVE-2017-2108 in PrimeDrive Desktop Application
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in PrimeDrive Desktop Application 1.4.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2108 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting PrimeDrive Desktop Application versions 1.4.3 and earlier. This flaw resides in the application's dynamic link library loading mechanism, where the software fails to properly validate the source and authenticity of dynamically loaded modules. The vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of the Windows DLL search order, which allows an attacker to place a malicious DLL in a directory that the application will search before the legitimate system directories. This behavior creates a privilege escalation vector that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which specifically addresses situations where applications search for libraries or executables in directories that can be manipulated by untrusted users. The flaw manifests when the PrimeDrive application loads DLLs without proper path validation, relying instead on the default Windows search order that prioritizes user-writable directories before system directories. This design weakness allows attackers to place malicious libraries in directories such as the current working directory, user-specific application directories, or other locations that are searched before the system's secure library locations. The vulnerability operates under the principle that the application does not perform cryptographic verification or path sanitization of dynamic library loading operations, making it susceptible to manipulation through directory traversal or symbolic link attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations using PrimeDrive Desktop Application, as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted user account. The attack requires minimal privileges to succeed and can be executed from any location where the attacker can influence the application's execution environment. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential privilege escalation to system-level access, depending on the user context in which the application runs. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without requiring direct access to the target system, as attackers can manipulate the search path through network-based attacks or by compromising systems where the application is installed. This weakness allows for persistent backdoor installation and can facilitate further network reconnaissance and lateral movement within compromised environments, making it a valuable target for advanced persistent threat actors who might leverage the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2108 should focus on implementing proper DLL loading practices and strengthening the application's security posture. Organizations should immediately upgrade to PrimeDrive Desktop Application versions that address this vulnerability, as the manufacturer has likely implemented proper DLL search path validation and secure loading mechanisms. System administrators should also implement application whitelisting policies that restrict which DLLs can be loaded by the application, and configure the Windows application compatibility settings to disable automatic DLL search path manipulation. The recommended approach involves setting the LOAD_LIBRARY_SEARCH_SYSTEM32 flag when loading libraries, ensuring that the application searches system directories first and prevents loading of malicious libraries from user-writable locations. Additionally, implementing security measures such as Windows Defender Application Control or AppLocker can prevent unauthorized DLL execution and provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and monitoring for unusual DLL loading patterns can also help detect exploitation attempts and provide early warning of potential compromise.