CVE-2017-2218 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Installer of QuickTime for Windows allows an attacker to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2218 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within the QuickTime Installer for Windows platform. This flaw resides in the installer component responsible for managing the installation process of Apple's QuickTime media framework on windows operating systems. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of dynamic link library loading mechanisms during the installation process, creating an exploitable condition where malicious code can be executed with elevated privileges. The installer's search path resolution logic fails to properly validate or sanitize the locations from which it loads required libraries, opening the door for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker places a malicious Trojan horse DLL in a directory that the installer will search through during execution. This untrusted search path behavior allows the installer to load the malicious library instead of the legitimate one, effectively enabling code injection and privilege escalation. The flaw specifically manifests in the installer's failure to implement proper security controls when resolving library paths, such as verifying file integrity or checking for proper authorization before loading external modules. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-426 Untrusted Search Path, which describes the dangerous practice of allowing applications to load libraries from directories that can be manipulated by unprivileged users.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2218 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can lead to complete system compromise when attackers leverage this vulnerability in conjunction with other attack vectors. An attacker with limited user privileges can exploit this weakness to gain administrative access to the target system, potentially enabling further reconnaissance, persistence mechanisms, or data exfiltration activities. The vulnerability affects systems running vulnerable versions of QuickTime for Windows, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where media playback applications are commonly installed. This weakness can be exploited in various attack scenarios including targeted attacks against specific users or broader exploitation campaigns targeting unpatched systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected QuickTime installations through official Apple security updates. Organizations should implement comprehensive software inventory management to identify all systems running vulnerable QuickTime versions and ensure timely remediation. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict which executables can run on target systems, monitoring for suspicious DLL loading activities, and conducting regular security assessments of installed software components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices around library loading mechanisms and proper path validation, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation. System administrators should also consider implementing least privilege principles and regular security audits to prevent exploitation of similar search path vulnerabilities in other applications.