CVE-2017-2190 in RW-4040
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in RW-4040 tool to verify execution environment for Windows 7 version 1.2.0.0 allows an attacker to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2019
The CVE-2017-2190 vulnerability represents a critical untrusted search path weakness in the RW-4040 tool designed for Windows 7 environment verification. This tool operates with version 1.2.0.0 and was specifically developed to validate execution environments on Windows 7 systems. The vulnerability stems from the tool's improper handling of dynamic link library loading mechanisms, where it fails to properly validate or restrict the search paths used to locate required DLL components. This flaw creates an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary code by placing specially crafted Trojan horse DLL files in directories that the tool's search path evaluates before standard system locations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-427, which specifically addresses uncontrolled search path elements, making it a direct descendant of the well-known path traversal and library injection attack vectors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a privilege escalation attack vector where an attacker positions a malicious DLL file in a directory that the RW-4040 tool will traverse during its normal execution cycle. When the tool attempts to load required libraries, it follows its configured search path order and inadvertently loads the attacker-controlled DLL instead of the legitimate system components. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper library loading practices, allowing an attacker with local access to potentially elevate their privileges to the same level as the tool's execution context. The attack requires minimal privileges initially, typically just the ability to write files to directories within the tool's search path, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users have write permissions to application directories.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2190 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass broader system compromise capabilities. When successfully exploited, this vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects Windows 7 systems specifically, making it particularly concerning for organizations that have not yet migrated to newer operating systems. The RW-4040 tool's role in verifying execution environments makes it a prime target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the system. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1068, which addresses exploit for privilege escalation, demonstrating how the initial foothold can be leveraged into more sophisticated attack operations.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including restricting write permissions on directories within the tool's search path, applying the vendor-provided security patches, and conducting comprehensive security audits to identify all instances of the vulnerable tool across the enterprise. The recommended approach involves implementing a least privilege model where only authorized administrators have write access to application directories and their associated search paths. Additionally, security teams should consider deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of unauthorized DLLs, as outlined in the Microsoft Security Response Center's guidance for similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in legacy applications that may not have been designed with modern security considerations in mind, reinforcing the need for continuous security assessments and vulnerability management programs.