CVE-2017-2225 in EbidSettingChecker
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in EbidSettingChecker.exe (version 1.0.0.0) 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-2017-2225 represents a critical untrusted search path weakness in the EbidSettingChecker.exe component version 1.0.0.0. This flaw resides within the executable's dynamic link library loading mechanism, where the application fails to properly validate or restrict the directories from which it loads dependent modules. The vulnerability stems from the application's reliance on a predictable search order that does not adequately verify the authenticity or integrity of dynamically loaded libraries, creating an avenue for malicious code execution through DLL hijacking techniques.
This security weakness operates under the broader category of CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which specifically addresses the scenario where applications search for libraries in directories that can be manipulated by attackers. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker places a malicious DLL with the same name as a legitimate library in a directory that appears earlier in the system's search path. The EbidSettingChecker.exe process, upon execution, will load this malicious component instead of the intended legitimate library, thereby executing attacker-controlled code with the privileges of the victim user or system process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential full system compromise. When an attacker successfully places a Trojan horse DLL in an accessible directory, the malicious code can execute with the same privileges as the EbidSettingChecker.exe process, which may include administrative rights depending on how the application is deployed. This presents a significant risk in enterprise environments where such applications might run with elevated privileges, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges further, or exfiltrate sensitive information. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without requiring user interaction beyond the initial execution of the vulnerable application.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2225 should focus on implementing proper DLL loading practices and restricting the application's search path. Organizations should employ secure coding techniques that utilize absolute paths for library loading or implement delayed loading mechanisms that prevent automatic library resolution from untrusted locations. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running the EbidSettingChecker.exe process with minimal required permissions, and system administrators should conduct regular security audits to identify and remove unnecessary directories from the search path. Additionally, application whitelisting solutions and runtime protection mechanisms can help prevent unauthorized DLL loading. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1055.001 Process Injection and T1068 Local Privilege Escalation, making it a critical target for both preventive and detective security controls. Organizations should also consider implementing security patches or updates provided by the vendor, as this vulnerability represents a well-known weakness that has been addressed in subsequent versions of the software through proper DLL search path validation and secure coding practices.