CVE-2017-2230 in Kouji Kanseizutou Check Program
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Douro Kouji Kanseizutou Check Program Ver3.1 (cdrw_checker_3.1.0.lzh) and earlier allows remote attackers 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-2017-2230 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting Douro Kouji Kanseizutou Check Program version 3.1 and earlier installations. This flaw manifests within the software's dynamic link library loading mechanism, where the application fails to properly validate the source and integrity of dynamically linked libraries. The vulnerability stems from the program's insecure handling of library paths during runtime execution, creating an environment where malicious actors can inject unauthorized code through strategically placed malicious DLL files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-427, which specifically addresses uncontrolled search path dependencies, and CWE-428, covering untrusted path resolution. Attackers exploit this weakness by placing a malicious Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory that the vulnerable application searches during execution. The application's failure to implement proper path validation allows the system to load the malicious library from the attacker-controlled location instead of the legitimate system or application directories. This behavior constitutes a privilege escalation vector since the malicious code executes with the same privileges as the legitimate application, potentially enabling full system compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations using affected software versions, particularly those in industrial control systems or manufacturing environments where such check programs might be deployed. The remote attack capability means that adversaries can potentially compromise systems without physical access, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in networked environments. The unspecified directory aspect of the flaw suggests that attackers can leverage any writable location within the application's search path, increasing the attack surface and exploitability. This vulnerability can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of critical operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2230 should focus on immediate software updates to versions that address the untrusted search path issue. Organizations should implement proper application whitelisting policies to restrict which libraries can be loaded, and conduct thorough security assessments of all system directories to identify and remediate writable locations that could be exploited. The implementation of secure coding practices, including explicit path validation and the use of absolute paths for library loading, should be enforced in all software development processes. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for unauthorized DLL files in common search paths and implement least privilege principles to limit the impact of potential exploitation. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following the principle of least privilege as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically targeting techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence through dynamic link library injection.