CVE-2017-2232 in Sogo Soft
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Installer of Shinseiyo Sogo Soft (4.8A) 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-2017-2232 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within the Installer component of Shinseiyo Sogo Soft version 4.8A and earlier. This flaw manifests as a privilege escalation vulnerability that stems from improper handling of dynamic link library loading sequences during software installation processes. The vulnerability allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges by placing a specially crafted Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory that gets searched by the installer application. This particular weakness falls under the category of CWE-426 Untrusted Search Path, which is classified as a medium severity issue in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog and is closely related to CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway directly aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Privilege Escalation tactic, specifically targeting the Use of Capabilities section where adversaries leverage legitimate system tools to execute malicious code with higher privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the installer's failure to properly validate or sanitize the search paths used when loading dynamic link libraries. When the installer processes installation requests, it searches through multiple directories in a predetermined order without ensuring that these paths are secure or that only legitimate DLLs are loaded. An attacker who can place a malicious DLL with the same name as a legitimate system DLL in one of these search paths can cause the installer to load and execute the malicious code instead of the intended library. This behavior creates a scenario where the installer, running with elevated privileges during installation, inadvertently executes attacker-controlled code. The unspecified directory mentioned in the vulnerability description indicates that the exact location is not clearly defined, which suggests that the vulnerability may affect multiple potential locations within the system's search path, making it more difficult to fully remediate without comprehensive path validation.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2232 extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to perform privilege escalation attacks that could lead to complete system compromise. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the installer process, which typically runs with administrative rights. This privilege escalation capability can enable attackers to install persistent backdoors, modify system files, create new user accounts, or access sensitive data within the system. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning because it occurs during the installation phase, when the system is in a vulnerable state and the attacker has the opportunity to inject malicious code into the installation process. The installer environment typically has elevated permissions, making this attack vector particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to establish persistent access to target systems. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require user interaction beyond initiating the installation process, making it a particularly dangerous flaw in environments where automated installations or unattended system deployments occur.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2232 should focus on implementing proper input validation and secure coding practices within the installer application. Organizations should ensure that all search paths used by the installer are explicitly defined and validated, with no allowance for arbitrary directory inclusion. The recommended approach involves implementing absolute path specifications for all DLL loading operations and removing any unnecessary search paths that could be manipulated by attackers. System administrators should also implement proper access controls and file permissions to limit which users can modify files in directories that might be included in the installer's search path. Additionally, the implementation of application whitelisting solutions can help prevent the execution of unauthorized DLLs, while regular security audits should verify that no unauthorized modifications exist in the installation directories. The most effective long-term solution involves updating to the patched version of Shinseiyo Sogo Soft, as this vulnerability was specifically addressed in later releases. Security monitoring should also be enhanced to detect unusual installation activities or attempts to place files in system directories, particularly during installation processes. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding guidelines such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and the CERT Secure Coding Standards, which emphasize the need for proper input validation and secure library loading mechanisms to prevent similar issues in future software development cycles.