CVE-2017-3092 in Digital Editions
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Digital Editions versions 4.5.4 and earlier contain an insecure library loading vulnerability. The vulnerability is due to unsafe library loading of editor control library functions in the installer plugin. A successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2020
Adobe Digital Editions versions 4.5.4 and earlier suffer from an insecure library loading vulnerability that stems from unsafe handling of editor control library functions within the installer plugin component. This flaw represents a classic insecure library loading weakness that allows attackers to manipulate the dynamic linking process during application execution. The vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly validate or restrict the paths from which shared libraries are loaded, creating an opportunity for malicious code injection through crafted library files. The insecure library loading mechanism enables attackers to place malicious DLL files in strategic locations where the application will load them automatically during execution. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-426 as an Untrusted Search Path, which specifically addresses the insecure loading of dynamic libraries from predictable locations. The potential for arbitrary code execution makes this a critical security flaw that could be exploited by adversaries to gain full control over affected systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to position a malicious library file in a location where Adobe Digital Editions will load it during normal operation. The installer plugin component specifically handles the loading of editor control libraries, and when the application does not properly validate the source or integrity of these libraries, it creates a pathway for code injection. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level where the application has elevated privileges during installation processes. The attack vector typically involves placing a specially crafted malicious DLL in the application's search path or a directory that the installer plugin will traverse automatically. Security researchers have identified this as a prime example of how insecure library loading can be leveraged for privilege escalation and persistent access. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the target application.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-3092 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can execute malicious code with the privileges of the Adobe Digital Editions process, which often runs with elevated permissions during installation procedures. This creates opportunities for attackers to install backdoors, steal sensitive information, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability affects users who install or update Adobe Digital Editions, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where the application is widely deployed. Organizations that have not updated to version 4.5.5 or later remain at significant risk, as the patch addresses the insecure library loading behavior by implementing proper validation of library paths and ensuring that only trusted libraries are loaded. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper library loading practices in application security, particularly when dealing with installer components that require elevated privileges. Security teams should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader application security posture assessment, given its potential for privilege escalation and persistent access. The impact is amplified in environments where Adobe Digital Editions is used for content management and distribution, as attackers could manipulate the installation process to compromise entire content delivery pipelines.