CVE-2017-5161 in Winlog Lite SCADA
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Sielco Sistemi Winlog Lite SCADA Software, versions prior to Version 3.02.01, and Winlog Pro SCADA Software, versions prior to Version 3.02.01. An uncontrolled search path element (DLL Hijacking) vulnerability has been identified. Exploitation of this vulnerability could give an attacker access to the system with the same level of privilege as the application that utilizes the malicious DLL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2020
The vulnerability identified in CVE-2017-5161 represents a critical security flaw affecting Sielco Sistemi's Winlog Lite and Winlog Pro SCADA software versions prior to 3.02.01. This issue manifests as an uncontrolled search path element that creates a DLL hijacking vulnerability, a type of attack that has been classified under CWE-427 and CWE-428 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The vulnerability stems from the software's improper handling of dynamic link library loading mechanisms, where the application fails to properly validate or restrict the search paths used to locate required DLL files during runtime execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker places a malicious DLL file in a location that is prioritized in the system's search path, typically before the legitimate DLLs that the application expects to load. This allows the attacker to inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the target application, which in SCADA environments often means elevated system privileges. The attack vector specifically targets the dynamic loading behavior of the software, where the application searches through a predetermined list of directories without proper validation of the source or integrity of the loaded modules. This creates a scenario where legitimate system calls are effectively hijacked by attacker-controlled code, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability within SCADA environments is particularly severe due to the critical infrastructure control nature of these systems. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system with the same privilege level as the running application, which often includes administrative or system-level access. This capability enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, system modification, unauthorized access to industrial processes, and potential disruption of critical operations. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified in industrial control environments where the integrity and availability of SCADA systems directly affects operational technology infrastructure, making it a significant concern for cybersecurity professionals managing critical manufacturing and industrial processes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on updating to the patched versions of the software, specifically versions 3.02.01 and later for both Winlog Lite and Winlog Pro. Organizations should implement strict software update policies and ensure that all SCADA systems are kept current with the latest security patches. Additional protective measures include implementing proper file system permissions, conducting regular security audits of SCADA environments, and employing network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, making it a critical target for defensive security measures in industrial control system environments. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for suspicious DLL loading activities to detect potential exploitation attempts.