CVE-2017-2211 in PatchJGD
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in PatchJGD (Hyoko) (PatchJGDh101.EXE) ver. 1.0.1 allows an attacker to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2211 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within PatchJGD Hyoko version 1.0.1, specifically affecting the PatchJGDh101.EXE executable. This flaw resides in the software's dynamic link library loading mechanism, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the search path used to locate required DLL dependencies. The vulnerability stems from the application's insecure practice of searching for DLL files in predictable locations without proper verification of their authenticity or source, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-426, which describes untrusted search path vulnerabilities where applications use insecure methods to locate and load dynamic link libraries. The flaw manifests when PatchJGDh101.EXE executes and attempts to load dependent DLL files, typically searching in the current working directory or other predictable locations before consulting the system's standard library paths. Attackers can exploit this by placing a malicious Trojan horse DLL in one of these search paths, specifically in an unspecified directory that the application will traverse during execution. When the legitimate application loads the malicious DLL, it executes with the privileges of the target process, potentially allowing privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2211 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited across various attack scenarios. The vulnerability can be leveraged through multiple attack vectors including social engineering techniques where users unknowingly execute malicious payloads, or through automated exploitation mechanisms that place the malicious DLL in the targeted search path. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that many users may not be aware of the specific directory structure or the application's search behavior, making exploitation more likely to succeed in real-world environments. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through the exploitation of software vulnerabilities, and T1574, which addresses hijacking of dynamic link libraries.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2211 should focus on implementing proper DLL loading practices and strengthening the application's security posture. Organizations should ensure that PatchJGD Hyoko is updated to a version that addresses this vulnerability, as the vendor has likely implemented proper DLL search path validation. System administrators should implement application whitelisting policies that restrict which DLLs can be loaded by the application, and should consider using tools like Microsoft's AppLocker or similar technologies to enforce secure execution environments. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be applied by running the application with minimal required permissions, and the search path should be explicitly defined and secured to prevent loading of unauthorized DLLs. Regular security audits should verify that no malicious DLLs exist in the application's search paths, and network monitoring should be implemented to detect suspicious file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and the need for thorough security testing of all dynamic library loading operations within applications.