CVE-2017-2229 in Kihon Data Sakusei System
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Douroshisetu Kihon Data Sakusei System Ver1.0.2 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 • 10/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2229 represents a critical untrusted search path weakness within the Douroshisetu Kihon Data Sakusei System version 1.0.2 and earlier implementations. This flaw resides in the software's dynamic link library loading mechanism where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the search paths used to locate required DLL components. The vulnerability manifests when the system attempts to load a DLL file from a directory that has not been properly secured or validated, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to place a specially crafted Trojan horse DLL in a location that will be searched before legitimate system directories. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-426 category of Untrusted Search Path, which is classified as a critical security weakness that can lead to privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper DLL search order validation and secure coding practices. When the system executes and attempts to load required dynamic libraries, it follows a predetermined search sequence that typically includes the current working directory, the system directory, and other configured paths. If an attacker can successfully place a malicious DLL with the same name as a legitimate library in a directory that appears earlier in this search order, the system will load the malicious component instead of the intended legitimate one. This behavior creates a privilege escalation vector where an attacker with local access can execute code with the privileges of the targeted application, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the trust relationship between the application and its dynamic library dependencies.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2229 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential full system compromise and persistent access. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain elevated privileges and establish backdoors within the system, making it difficult to detect and remove malicious components. The attack surface is broad since any application using the vulnerable system components could be targeted, and the exploitation requires minimal privileges to succeed. The vulnerability can be particularly devastating in enterprise environments where such data creation systems may run with administrative privileges, providing attackers with direct access to sensitive information and system resources. This weakness can be exploited through social engineering techniques where users unknowingly execute malicious code, or through direct system compromise where attackers gain access to the targeted environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2229 should focus on implementing proper DLL loading security measures and establishing secure coding practices. Organizations should immediately update to versions of the Douroshisetu Kihon Data Sakusei System that address this vulnerability, as the manufacturer likely released patches to correct the untrusted search path implementation. System administrators should implement strict directory permissions and ensure that the current working directory is not included in the DLL search path unless absolutely necessary. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running applications with minimal required permissions and avoiding execution with administrative privileges. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting solutions, enabling data execution prevention, and conducting regular security audits of system directories can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation tactic, making it a critical target for defensive security measures.