CVE-2017-2192 in RW-5100 Tool
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in RW-5100 tool to verify execution environment for Windows 7 version 1.1.0.0 and RW-5100 tool to verify execution environment for Windows 8.1 version 1.2.0.0 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-2017-2192 vulnerability represents a critical untrusted search path weakness in the RW-5100 tool designed for Windows 7 version 1.1.0.0 and Windows 8.1 version 1.2.0.0 execution environment verification systems. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-426 category of "Untrusted Search Path" which specifically addresses situations where applications search for libraries or executables in directories that can be manipulated by attackers. The flaw manifests when the verification tool fails to properly validate the source and integrity of dynamically loaded libraries, creating an avenue for privilege escalation attacks through malicious DLL injection techniques.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the Windows dynamic link library loading mechanism where applications search for required modules in a predetermined order of directories. When the RW-5100 tool operates in an environment where attacker-controlled directories appear earlier in the search path than system directories, malicious actors can place a Trojan horse DLL with the same name as a legitimate library. This allows the malicious code to be loaded and executed with the privileges of the legitimate application, potentially escalating from standard user to system-level privileges depending on the tool's execution context. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the inherent trust placed in system directory resolution mechanisms without proper validation of module authenticity.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2192 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass broader security implications within enterprise environments where these verification tools are deployed. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or compromise entire systems through lateral movement once initial access is gained. The vulnerability affects both Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 platforms, indicating a widespread exposure across multiple operating system versions that were still in active use during the affected time period. This creates a substantial attack surface for threat actors who can target organizations using outdated verification tools or those that have not implemented proper patch management procedures.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of the RW-5100 tool, implementing proper directory permissions to prevent unauthorized DLL placement, and conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected applications. The remediation approach should follow ATT&CK framework techniques for privilege escalation by addressing the root cause through proper library loading practices. Additionally, security teams should establish monitoring for suspicious DLL loading activities and implement application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized modules. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper validation of library paths in system tools, emphasizing that even verification utilities can become attack vectors when not properly secured against untrusted input scenarios.