CVE-2017-6329 in VIP Access for Desktop
Summary
by MITRE
Symantec VIP Access for Desktop prior to 2.2.4 can be susceptible to a DLL Pre-Loading vulnerability. These types of issues occur when an application looks to call a DLL for execution and an attacker provides a malicious DLL to use instead. Depending on how the application is configured, the application will generally follow a specific search path to locate the DLL. The exploitation of the vulnerability manifests as a simple file write (or potentially an over-write) which results in a foreign executable running under the context of the application.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2019
The CVE-2017-6329 vulnerability affects Symantec VIP Access for Desktop versions prior to 2.2.4, representing a critical DLL pre-loading vulnerability that exposes users to potential privilege escalation attacks. This flaw operates within the fundamental Windows DLL loading mechanism where applications search for required dynamic link libraries using a predetermined search order. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate or restrict the DLL search path, allowing attackers to place malicious DLL files in strategic locations that the application will automatically load. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-427, which specifically addresses uncontrolled search path dependencies, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 for local privilege escalation through DLL injection methods. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the trust relationship between the application and its dependencies, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted application.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker places a malicious DLL file in a location that the vulnerable application will search for and load during normal operation. The application's DLL loading process follows a specific sequence that typically includes the current working directory, system directories, and user-defined paths. When the application attempts to load a legitimate DLL that exists in the current directory, the system will load the attacker-controlled malicious DLL instead, executing its code in the context of the privileged application. This process requires minimal user interaction and can be accomplished through simple file placement attacks, making it particularly dangerous for desktop applications that run with elevated privileges. The vulnerability essentially allows for a form of code injection where the malicious DLL executes with the same permissions as the legitimate application, potentially enabling full system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6329 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass significant security implications for enterprise environments where Symantec VIP Access is deployed. Organizations using this authentication solution face potential risks including credential theft, privilege escalation, and lateral movement within networks where attackers can leverage the compromised application to gain elevated system access. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the authentication process itself, potentially allowing attackers to bypass two-factor authentication mechanisms or manipulate the authentication flow. This risk is particularly severe because VIP Access applications often run with elevated privileges to manage security tokens and authentication processes, creating a high-value target for attackers. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper DLL loading mechanisms in enterprise security applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6329 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most direct solution involves upgrading to Symantec VIP Access version 2.2.4 or later, which includes proper DLL loading protections and secure search path implementations. Organizations should also implement application whitelisting policies that restrict which DLLs can be loaded by the application, effectively preventing attackers from placing malicious files in the search path. System administrators should configure the application's working directory to be non-writable by regular users and implement proper file system permissions to limit DLL placement capabilities. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for suspicious DLL loading activities through endpoint detection and response tools, implementing secure coding practices for application developers, and conducting regular security assessments of critical authentication applications. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of following secure coding guidelines and maintaining up-to-date security patches across all enterprise applications.