CVE-2017-2287 in Port Software
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in NFC Port Software remover Ver.1.3.0.1 and earlier allows an attacker to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2287 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within the NFC Port Software remover version 1.3.0.1 and earlier implementations. This flaw resides in the software's dynamic link library loading mechanism, where the application fails to properly validate the source and integrity of dynamically loaded components. The vulnerability manifests when the software attempts to load DLL files from directories that are not properly secured or validated, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The root cause of this weakness aligns with CWE-426, which describes the insecure loading of dynamic libraries where applications use untrusted search paths that can be manipulated by attackers. This vulnerability specifically impacts the Windows operating system environment where the NFC Port Software remover is installed, potentially affecting enterprise networks that rely on NFC connectivity for various security and authentication purposes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker places a malicious Trojan horse DLL file in a directory that appears earlier in the system's search path than the legitimate DLLs. The software's improper handling of library loading results in the execution of the attacker-controlled code instead of the intended legitimate components. This privilege escalation scenario allows attackers to execute malicious code with the same privileges as the vulnerable application, which typically runs with elevated permissions due to the nature of NFC port management software. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution as it can enable attackers to manipulate NFC communication channels, potentially compromising secure authentication processes that rely on NFC technology. This flaw operates under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.001 for command and script interpreter execution, where the malicious DLL execution serves as a vector for further compromise within the target system.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2287 is significant for organizations deploying NFC Port Software remover in their infrastructure, particularly in enterprise environments where NFC-based authentication systems are prevalent. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access points within networks, potentially compromising sensitive data transmission through NFC channels. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to systems that depend on NFC for secure authentication, creating potential breaches in security perimeters that rely on NFC-based access controls. Organizations utilizing this software may face unauthorized privilege escalation attacks that could result in complete system compromise, especially when the vulnerable software runs with administrative privileges. The vulnerability's presence in NFC management software creates a particularly concerning risk because NFC systems often serve as primary authentication mechanisms for secure environments, making this flaw a critical concern for security teams managing access control systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2287 should focus on immediate software updates to versions that address the untrusted search path vulnerability. Organizations must implement proper DLL loading practices by utilizing secure library loading mechanisms that validate the integrity and source of all dynamically loaded components. The implementation of application whitelisting policies can prevent unauthorized DLL execution by restricting which binaries can run on the system. System administrators should conduct thorough security audits to identify and remove any unnecessary software that may be vulnerable to similar search path issues. Additionally, proper directory permissions and access controls should be enforced to prevent unauthorized users from placing malicious DLL files in directories that are part of the system's search path. The use of security tools that monitor for suspicious DLL loading activities can provide early detection of potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, ensuring that even if an attacker gains access through this vulnerability, they cannot easily move laterally within the network infrastructure. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other system components that may present comparable risks.