CVE-2017-3141 in BIND
Summary
by MITRE
The BIND installer on Windows uses an unquoted service path which can enable a local user to achieve privilege escalation if the host file system permissions allow this. Affects BIND 9.2.6-P2->9.2.9, 9.3.2-P1->9.3.6, 9.4.0->9.8.8, 9.9.0->9.9.10, 9.10.0->9.10.5, 9.11.0->9.11.1, 9.9.3-S1->9.9.10-S1, 9.10.5-S1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3141 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the BIND DNS server installation process on Windows operating systems. This issue stems from the installer's improper handling of service path configuration, creating a fundamental security weakness that can be exploited by local attackers to elevate their privileges. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of BIND across several release branches, indicating a widespread problem that has persisted across different development cycles and security updates. The flaw specifically impacts the Windows installer's ability to properly quote service paths during installation, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors with local access to the system.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-428, which describes the weakness of unquoted service paths in Windows environments. When the BIND installer creates Windows services, it fails to properly quote the executable path, allowing attackers to place malicious executables in directories that are searched before the intended service binary. This occurs because Windows service paths that are not properly quoted are parsed by the system in a way that treats spaces as path separators, enabling attackers to create directories that are searched before the legitimate service location. The vulnerability specifically affects the installation process where the service binary path contains spaces, making it susceptible to path injection attacks. The installer creates service entries without ensuring that the full path is properly quoted, which violates standard security practices for service installation.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-3141 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a persistent mechanism for gaining elevated system access. A local user who can manipulate the file system permissions or place malicious executables in strategic locations can leverage this vulnerability to execute code with the privileges of the affected service account. This typically means the attacker can gain system-level privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited even when the system is not actively running the DNS service, as the malicious code can be executed through the service's startup mechanism. The attack vector requires local access to the system, making it a significant concern for environments where physical access or low-privilege user accounts exist, as these could be exploited to gain broader system control.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-3141 must address both the immediate installation process and the broader system security posture. The primary remediation involves updating to patched versions of BIND that properly quote service paths during installation, as specified in the affected version ranges. System administrators should also implement strict file system permissions and access controls to limit local user capabilities, particularly in directories where service binaries are installed. The implementation of the principle of least privilege should be enforced, ensuring that service accounts have minimal required permissions and that system directories are protected from unauthorized modifications. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security audits to identify and correct unquoted service paths in existing installations, using tools that can scan for such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and installation procedures, as outlined in various security frameworks and standards that emphasize proper path handling and service configuration. Regular security awareness training for system administrators and developers is essential to prevent similar issues in future software installations and updates.