CVE-2018-0507 in VIRUS CLEAR Easy Setup
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in FLET'S VIRUS CLEAR Easy Setup & Application Tool ver.11 and earlier versions, FLET'S VIRUS CLEAR v6 Easy Setup & Application Tool ver.11 and earlier versions allow an attacker to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0507 represents a critical untrusted search path weakness affecting specific versions of FLET'S VIRUS CLEAR security software. This flaw exists within the Easy Setup & Application Tool components of both FLET'S VIRUS CLEAR Easy Setup & Application Tool version 11 and earlier, as well as FLET'S VIRUS CLEAR v6 Easy Setup & Application Tool version 11 and earlier. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of dynamic link library loading mechanisms during software installation and execution processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to escalate privileges through the strategic placement of malicious Trojan horse DLL files within unspecified directories that are part of the system's search path. When the vulnerable software executes, it searches through a predetermined list of directories to locate required dynamic libraries, but fails to properly validate or authenticate the source of these libraries. This behavior creates an opportunity for adversaries to place malicious DLLs in directories that are searched before legitimate system directories, enabling code execution with the privileges of the targeted application.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to systems running affected software versions, as it allows for privilege escalation attacks that can potentially lead to complete system compromise. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages the trust relationship between the legitimate software and the system's dynamic library loading mechanism, making detection more challenging. The vulnerability affects the software's installation and execution processes, potentially impacting both endpoint security and system integrity across affected environments.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in relation to CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which specifically addresses the risk of attackers manipulating the order of search paths to load malicious code. Additionally, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers may leverage the privilege escalation to execute malicious scripts or commands with elevated privileges. The risk assessment should include consideration of the software's typical deployment environments and the likelihood of attackers successfully placing malicious DLLs in the affected search paths.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected software versions to address the untrusted search path implementation. System administrators should also implement strict directory permissions and monitoring for unauthorized DLL placements, particularly in system directories and those commonly searched during application execution. Network segmentation and privilege separation measures can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while regular security audits should verify that no malicious DLLs have been placed in affected search paths. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper validation of dynamic library loading mechanisms within security software applications.