CVE-2018-0515 in Azukeru Backup Tool
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in "FLET'S Azukeru Backup Tool" version 1.5.2.6 and earlier allows an attacker to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0515 represents a critical untrusted search path flaw within the FLET'S Azukeru Backup Tool version 1.5.2.6 and earlier releases. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of dynamic link library (dll) hijacking attacks, where malicious actors exploit the way applications search for required libraries. The vulnerability specifically affects the backup tool's loading mechanism, which fails to properly validate the source of dynamically linked libraries, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by adversaries to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of library search paths during application execution. When the FLET'S Azukeru Backup Tool attempts to load necessary dynamic link libraries, it searches through a predetermined sequence of directories without sufficient validation of the library's authenticity or source. This behavior aligns with CWE-426, which describes the weakness of untrusted search path vulnerabilities where applications use untrusted paths when loading libraries. The flaw enables attackers to place malicious dll files in directories that are searched before the legitimate library locations, effectively allowing code execution through a Trojan horse approach.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass broader system compromise capabilities. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running the backup tool, potentially leading to full system compromise if the application runs with elevated permissions. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where backup tools often have elevated privileges to access critical system files and data. The attack vector requires the attacker to have write access to a directory in the application's search path, which can be achieved through various means including social engineering, compromised user accounts, or other initial access vectors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper library loading practices and strengthening the application's security posture. Organizations should ensure that the FLET'S Azukeru Backup Tool is updated to versions that address this vulnerability, as the vendor likely implemented proper library validation mechanisms. System administrators should also implement the principle of least privilege, ensuring that backup tools run with minimal required permissions rather than elevated privileges. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting solutions and monitoring for unexpected dll loading activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the ATT&CK framework's tactics related to privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms, particularly the use of dynamic link library injection techniques that attackers employ to gain unauthorized access to systems.