CVE-2017-2191 in RW-5100 Driver InNstaller
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in RW-5100 driver installer for Windows 7 version 1.0.0.9 and RW-5100 driver installer for Windows 8.1 version 1.0.1.0 allows an attacker to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2019
The CVE-2017-2191 vulnerability represents a critical untrusted search path weakness in the RW-5100 driver installer software for windows 7 and windows 8.1 systems. This flaw stems from improper handling of dynamic link library loading sequences during the installation process, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can inject arbitrary code into the system. The vulnerability specifically affects version 1.0.0.9 of the windows 7 installer and version 1.0.1.0 of the windows 8.1 installer, indicating a targeted issue within these particular software releases. The root cause lies in the installer's failure to properly validate or restrict the directories from which it loads required libraries, allowing attackers to place malicious dll files in locations that are searched before legitimate system directories. This type of vulnerability aligns with common weakness enumeration cwecwe-427 and cwecwe-428, which categorize uncontrolled search path vulnerabilities as critical security flaws that enable privilege escalation attacks through malicious code injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise through privilege escalation. When a user installs the affected driver software, the installer process runs with elevated privileges due to the nature of device driver installation. An attacker who can successfully place a malicious dll file in the compromised search path can effectively execute code with system-level privileges, bypassing standard user access controls. This creates a significant attack surface where local users can leverage the vulnerability to gain unauthorized administrative access to affected systems. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond the legitimate installation process, making it difficult to detect and prevent through standard security measures. The vulnerability essentially transforms a routine software installation into a potential system compromise opportunity, allowing attackers to establish persistent access and escalate their privileges without requiring additional attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2191 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening approaches. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-provided security patches that address the specific search path handling issues in the affected driver installers. Organizations should also implement strict directory access controls and audit the installation paths of third-party software to prevent unauthorized dll placement. System administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict which executables can run on the system, particularly during installation processes. The vulnerability's characteristics make it susceptible to detection through behavioral monitoring tools that can identify unusual dll loading patterns or unauthorized file placement activities. Additionally, security professionals should consider implementing the principle of least privilege by running installer processes with minimal required permissions and conducting regular security assessments of installed software to identify similar untrusted search path vulnerabilities. This approach aligns with attack technique t1068 which describes local privilege escalation and t1574 which covers hijacking execution flows through dynamic link library loading mechanisms.