CVE-2017-2268 in FileCapsule Deluxe Portable
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Encrypted files in self-decryption format created by FileCapsule Deluxe Portable Ver.1.0.5.1 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 • 10/26/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2268 represents a critical untrusted search path weakness within FileCapsule Deluxe Portable version 1.0.5.1 and earlier implementations. This flaw specifically affects the self-decryption functionality of encrypted files created by the software, creating a dangerous privilege escalation vector that adversaries can exploit through carefully crafted malicious components. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize the search paths used during the decryption process, allowing attackers to manipulate the execution flow through strategically placed malicious files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the software's insecure handling of dynamic link library loading mechanisms during file decryption operations. When FileCapsule attempts to decrypt encrypted files, it searches for required libraries in a predictable order that includes user-writable directories without proper security validation. This behavior creates an opportunity for attackers to place a Trojan horse DLL in a directory that gets prioritized in the search path, causing the legitimate application to load and execute the malicious code with the privileges of the user running the software. The vulnerability specifically targets the Windows dynamic loading mechanism and represents a classic case of insecure library path resolution that maps directly to CWE-426.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations and individual users who rely on FileCapsule for data protection. The privilege escalation potential means that an attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond the legitimate use of the encryption software, making it difficult to detect through standard security monitoring. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data exfiltration, lateral movement capabilities, and persistent access to compromised systems. This weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for execution through command and scripting interpreter, as well as T1548.002 for privilege escalation through dynamic link library injection.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2268 require immediate attention from system administrators and security teams. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor's official patch or upgrade to a version that addresses the untrusted search path vulnerability. Organizations should also implement application whitelisting policies to restrict which DLLs can be loaded by FileCapsule, particularly in user-writable directories. Network segmentation and privilege separation measures can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious DLL loading patterns and unusual file creation activities in directories commonly used for search path resolution. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices around library loading and search path management, reinforcing industry standards that emphasize proper input validation and secure path resolution techniques. System administrators should also consider implementing mandatory access controls and regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications that may be susceptible to the same class of attack.