CVE-2017-2271 in AttacheCase
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Self-extracting encrypted files created by AttacheCase ver.2.8.3.0 and earlier allows an attacker to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2271 represents a critical untrusted search path weakness affecting AttacheCase version 2.8.3.0 and earlier implementations. This flaw manifests within the self-extracting encrypted file functionality where the application fails to properly validate the directory search order during DLL loading operations. The vulnerability stems from the application's insecure handling of dynamic link library resolution, specifically when processing encrypted archives that contain self-extracting components. Attackers can exploit this weakness by placing a malicious Trojan horse DLL in a directory that appears earlier in the system's search path than the legitimate AttacheCase installation directory, thereby enabling privilege escalation through arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-427, which describes uncontrolled search path dependencies in software applications. This weakness creates an environment where the application's DLL resolution mechanism can be manipulated to load malicious code instead of intended legitimate libraries. The attack vector specifically targets the Windows DLL search order mechanism, where the system first checks the current working directory, followed by system directories, and then the PATH environment variable. When AttacheCase processes self-extracting encrypted files, it does not properly secure this search path, allowing attackers to place malicious DLLs in directories that will be prioritized during the loading process. This vulnerability can be classified under the ATT&CK technique T1055 - Process Injection, as it enables attackers to inject malicious code through legitimate system processes that load the compromised DLLs.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2271 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential full system compromise. When executed successfully, this vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted user, typically escalating to SYSTEM level access in many scenarios. The self-extracting nature of the affected AttacheCase files makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be delivered through seemingly legitimate encrypted archives, making detection and prevention more challenging. The vulnerability affects organizations that utilize AttacheCase for secure file transfer and encryption, potentially exposing sensitive data and system resources to unauthorized access. Attackers can leverage this weakness to establish persistent access, deploy additional malware, or conduct data exfiltration operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of all affected AttacheCase installations to versions that properly implement secure DLL loading practices. Organizations should implement the principle of least privilege by ensuring that AttacheCase processes run with minimal required permissions and that the application's installation directory is properly secured. System administrators should monitor for suspicious DLL loading activities and implement application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized DLL execution. The recommended approach includes configuring the Windows DLL search order to prioritize system directories over user-controlled locations and ensuring that all directories in the PATH environment variable are properly secured. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in file processing applications, particularly those handling encrypted content and self-extracting archives.