CVE-2017-2188 in Check System
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Installer of Denshinouhin Check System (for Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Nouson Seibi Jigyou) 2014 March Edition (Ver.9.0.001.001) [Updated on 2017 June 9], (Ver.8.0.001.001) [Updated on 2016 May 31] and earlier allows an attacker to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2019
This vulnerability represents a classic untrusted search path weakness that affects the Denshinouhin Check System installer component used by Japanese agricultural and forestry ministry operations. The flaw exists in the installer's handling of dynamic link library loading mechanisms where the system searches for required libraries in a predictable but insecure order. When the installer processes certain installation routines, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the library search path, allowing malicious actors to place a specially crafted Trojan horse DLL in a directory that gets prioritized in the search sequence. This vulnerability specifically impacts versions 9.0.001.001 from March 2014 and 8.0.001.001 from May 2016, with earlier versions also potentially affected, making it a long-standing issue that persisted across multiple releases of the system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows established patterns documented in CWE-427 and CWE-428, which classify this as an uncontrolled search path that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. When an attacker places a malicious DLL in a directory that precedes the legitimate library locations in the system's search path, the installer will load and execute this malicious code during normal operation. This creates a privilege escalation scenario where the attacker can execute code with the same privileges as the installer process, which typically runs with administrative rights. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the installation phase, meaning that successful exploitation could allow an attacker to install backdoors, modify system components, or establish persistent access to the target system. The unspecified directory mentioned in the description suggests that the vulnerability may affect multiple potential locations where the installer might search for libraries, increasing the attack surface.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations using the Denshinouhin Check System, particularly those within the Japanese ministry of agriculture, forestry and fisheries framework. The attack vector involves social engineering or pre-positioning of malicious files in common installation directories, making it relatively straightforward for attackers to exploit. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data compromise, system integrity violations, and unauthorized access to sensitive agricultural and forestry operational data. Organizations running these systems face the risk of complete system compromise, as the installer typically operates with elevated privileges necessary for system modifications. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for execution through command-line interfaces and T1068 for privilege escalation, making it a multi-faceted threat that can be leveraged for broader attack campaigns.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected versions, implementation of proper library search path validation, and deployment of application whitelisting controls. Organizations must ensure that the installer's search path is properly sanitized and that libraries are loaded from secure, verified locations only. System administrators should implement strict directory permissions and monitor for unauthorized DLL placement in installation directories. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly in installer and setup components. Regular security audits of installation processes, implementation of least privilege principles for installer operations, and deployment of endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block suspicious DLL loading behaviors are essential defensive measures. Additionally, organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify similar untrusted search path issues in other legacy systems and ensure that all software components follow secure coding standards that prevent predictable library loading sequences.