CVE-2017-5170 in SoftNVR-IA Live Viewer
Summary
by MITRE
An Uncontrolled Search Path Element issue was discovered in Moxa SoftNVR-IA Live Viewer, Version 3.30.3122 and prior versions. An uncontrolled search path element (DLL Hijacking) vulnerability has been identified. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker could rename a malicious DLL to meet the criteria of the application, and the application would not verify that the DLL is correct. The attacker needs to have administrative access to the default install location in order to plant the insecure DLL. Once loaded by the application, the DLL could run malicious code at the privilege level of the application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/24/2019
The vulnerability identified in Moxa SoftNVR-IA Live Viewer version 3.30.3122 and prior represents a critical uncontrolled search path element flaw that falls under the CWE-427 category of Uncontrolled Search Path Element. This weakness enables DLL hijacking attacks by allowing applications to load dynamic link libraries from insecure locations without proper validation. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement secure library loading mechanisms, creating an attack surface where malicious code can be executed with elevated privileges. The flaw particularly affects network video recorder applications that handle multimedia data and require system-level access for proper operation. Such applications often run with elevated permissions to manage video streams, storage operations, and network communications, making them attractive targets for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to possess administrative access to the system's default installation directory where the vulnerable application is installed. This prerequisite significantly limits the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk entirely, as attackers may obtain administrative credentials through various means including credential theft, social engineering, or exploiting other system vulnerabilities. Once administrative access is obtained, the attacker can place a malicious DLL file with a name that matches the expected library name, causing the application to load the malicious code instead of the legitimate library. The application's search path behavior, which typically begins with the current working directory and proceeds through system paths without proper validation, allows the malicious DLL to be loaded transparently. This process occurs automatically when the application attempts to load a required dependency, making the attack stealthy and difficult to detect through normal monitoring procedures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to run malicious code with the same privilege level as the vulnerable application. In the context of network video recorder applications, this could enable attackers to access video feeds, modify configuration settings, exfiltrate stored footage, or even manipulate the recorder's network communications. The privilege escalation aspect means that attackers who gain access to the application's execution context can potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure, as video recorder systems often serve as critical nodes in security monitoring environments. The vulnerability also impacts the integrity of the system's software supply chain, as legitimate applications may be compromised through this mechanism, potentially affecting other connected systems that rely on the recorder's functionality. Organizations using such systems may experience unauthorized access to sensitive surveillance data, which could compromise security operations and violate privacy regulations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and broader system hardening requirements. The primary recommendation involves implementing secure library loading practices that enforce strict validation of library sources and paths, which aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for execution through system commands. System administrators should ensure that the application's installation directories have restricted write permissions and that only authorized personnel can modify the software environment. Regular security audits should verify that no unauthorized DLL files exist in the application's search paths, and automated monitoring solutions can help detect anomalous library loading behaviors. The principle of least privilege should be applied to application execution contexts, ensuring that applications run with minimal required permissions. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and using digital signatures to validate library integrity can prevent unauthorized code execution. Organizations should also consider network segmentation to limit lateral movement opportunities and implement robust access controls for administrative accounts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper library management in preventing supply chain attacks that can compromise critical infrastructure systems.