CVE-2017-2214 in AppCheck
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in AppCheck and AppCheck Pro prior to version 2.0.1.15 allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code via a specially crafted executable file in an unspecified directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2214 represents a critical untrusted search path weakness affecting AppCheck and AppCheck Pro software versions prior to 2.0.1.15. This flaw stems from improper handling of executable file paths during software operation, creating a pathway for malicious code execution through directory traversal techniques. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to validate or sanitize the search paths used to locate and execute files, allowing attackers to place malicious executables in directories that are prioritized in the system's search order. Such behavior aligns with common software security weaknesses classified under CWE-426, which addresses the execution of untrusted code through insecure search paths. The issue directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to run arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted malicious executable file placed in an unspecified directory that the vulnerable application will traverse during normal operation. When the application searches for required components or modules, it inadvertently processes the attacker-controlled executable instead of legitimate system files, leading to unauthorized code execution. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without requiring elevated privileges beyond those normally granted to the application itself. The search path manipulation allows attackers to inject malicious code into the execution flow, effectively bypassing standard security controls. The vulnerability's impact extends to both local and potentially remote execution scenarios, depending on the application's deployment environment and the attacker's access to the target system's file structure.
The operational consequences of CVE-2017-2214 can be severe, potentially enabling attackers to gain persistent access to compromised systems, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malicious tools. The vulnerability undermines the integrity of the application and can lead to complete system compromise when exploited in conjunction with other attack vectors. Organizations using affected versions of AppCheck or AppCheck Pro face significant risk of data breaches, system infiltration, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in unauthorized data exfiltration, system monitoring, or the establishment of backdoors that persist across system reboots. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of broader attack surface management efforts, particularly in environments where these applications are deployed and where attackers may have access to system directories or file modification capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2214 should focus on immediate software updates to versions 2.0.1.15 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the untrusted search path issue. Organizations should also implement strict file permission controls and directory access restrictions to limit where malicious executables can be placed. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, monitoring for unauthorized file modifications, and conducting regular security audits of system directories. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly when dealing with file system operations and dynamic path resolution. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file creation or modification activities in directories that may be traversed by vulnerable applications, thereby providing additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts.