CVE-2017-2207 in Personal
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in the installer of SaAT Personal ver.1.0.10.272 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 • 12/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2207 represents a critical untrusted search path weakness within the installer component of SaAT Personal version 1.0.10.272 and earlier releases. This flaw resides in the installer's dynamic link library loading mechanism, which fails to properly validate the source and integrity of dynamically loaded modules during the installation process. The vulnerability stems from the installer's tendency to search for required DLL files in a predetermined set of directories without implementing proper security checks to verify the authenticity and trustworthiness of these modules.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to place a malicious Trojan horse DLL in a directory that the installer will search through during execution. When the installer runs and attempts to load a required library, it will inadvertently load the attacker-controlled DLL instead of the legitimate system component. This behavior directly aligns with CWE-426, which describes untrusted search path vulnerabilities where applications search for libraries in directories that can be manipulated by attackers. The installer's insecure library loading practices create an opportunity for privilege escalation, as the malicious DLL will execute with the privileges of the installer process, potentially elevating the attacker's access level within the compromised system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass broader system compromise capabilities. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can effectively bypass standard security controls by leveraging the installer's elevated privileges to execute arbitrary code with system-level access. The vulnerability affects systems where the vulnerable software is installed, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malware. This type of attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate installation processes, making detection more difficult and allowing the malicious code to operate under seemingly trusted execution contexts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2207 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to a patched version of SaAT Personal that addresses the untrusted search path vulnerability through proper DLL loading mechanisms and secure library resolution. Organizations should also implement directory permission controls to restrict write access to directories where the installer searches for libraries, particularly those containing system-critical components. Additionally, deployment of application whitelisting solutions can prevent unauthorized DLL execution by restricting which binaries can run on the system. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the software security principles, specifically addressing the need for proper input validation and secure library loading mechanisms. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically leveraging installer weaknesses to gain elevated system access, making it a significant concern for enterprise security teams implementing comprehensive threat detection and response strategies.