CVE-2017-2802 in Precision Optimizer
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable dll hijacking vulnerability exists in the poaService.exe service component of the Dell Precision Optimizer software version 3.5.5.0. A specifically named malicious dll file located in one of directories pointed to by the PATH environment variable will lead to privilege escalation. An attacker with local access to vulnerable system can exploit this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2802 represents a critical dll hijacking flaw within Dell Precision Optimizer software version 3.5.5.0 that enables local privilege escalation through improper dynamic link library loading mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically affects the poaService.exe service component which fails to properly validate the source of dynamically loaded libraries, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The flaw stems from the service's reliance on the Windows PATH environment variable search order without implementing secure library loading practices, allowing attackers to place malicious dll files in directories that are searched before legitimate system directories.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows established patterns documented in CWE-426 and CWE-74, where applications perform insecure dynamic link library loading by not specifying full paths to required libraries or by relying on the system PATH variable. When poaService.exe executes, it searches for required dll files in the order specified by the PATH environment variable, which typically includes user-writable directories such as the current working directory or other locations where unprivileged users can place files. This behavior creates a predictable attack surface where an attacker can place a malicious dll with the same name as a legitimate library that the service expects to load, causing the service to execute the attacker-controlled code instead of the intended system library.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to systems running Dell Precision Optimizer 3.5.5.0 as it requires only local access to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users have local accounts but should not possess administrative privileges. The privilege escalation achieved through this vulnerability allows attackers to gain system-level access, potentially enabling further lateral movement within the network, credential theft, or installation of persistent backdoors. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and specifically addresses local privilege escalation through service exploitation. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because it affects a legitimate system service that runs with elevated privileges, creating a direct path to system compromise without requiring additional exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2802 should focus on addressing the root cause of insecure library loading practices within the affected software. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to Dell Precision Optimizer version 3.5.6.0 or later, which contains patches that implement secure library loading mechanisms and properly validate library sources. Organizations should also implement security measures such as restricting write access to directories in the PATH environment variable, particularly those that are not system-critical, and monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns in system directories. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and using tools like Microsoft's Application Control policies can prevent execution of unauthorized dll files. Network segmentation and least privilege access controls should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify other applications with similar insecure library loading behaviors that may present similar risks.