CVE-2018-0580 in CLIP STUDIO
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in CELSYS, Inc CLIP STUDIO series (CLIP STUDIO PAINT (for Windows) EX/PRO/DEBUT Ver.1.7.3 and earlier, CLIP STUDIO ACTION (for Windows) Ver.1.5.5 and earlier, with its timestamp prior to April 25, 2018, 12:11:31, and CLIP STUDIO MODELER (for Windows) Ver.1.6.3 and earlier, with its timestamp prior to April 25, 2018, 17:02:49) allows remote attackers to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0580 represents a critical untrusted search path weakness affecting multiple applications within the CELSYS CLIP STUDIO suite. This flaw exists in versions of CLIP STUDIO PAINT, CLIP STUDIO ACTION, and CLIP STUDIO MODELER released prior to specific timestamps, creating a security risk that remote attackers can exploit to elevate privileges. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of dynamic link library (dll) loading mechanisms within these applications, specifically when they search for required libraries in directories that are not properly validated or secured.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the applications' failure to properly sanitize or validate the search paths used when loading dynamic libraries. When these applications execute, they traverse through a series of directories to locate required dll files, including system directories and potentially user-writable locations. This behavior creates an opportunity for attackers to place malicious dll files in these search paths, which the applications will then load and execute with the privileges of the user running the software. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the same privileges as the legitimate user, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability impacts users who are running affected versions of the CLIP STUDIO applications, particularly those who may download or open files from untrusted sources. The attack vector involves placing a malicious dll file in a directory that will be searched by the vulnerable application, effectively enabling privilege escalation attacks. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which describes how applications that search for files in a list of directories without proper validation can be exploited by attackers who place malicious files in those directories. The attack is particularly concerning because it can be executed remotely, requiring no local access to the system once the malicious file is placed in the appropriate location.
The security implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation to include potential data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and further attack propagation within a network environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, install additional malware, or conduct more sophisticated attacks. This vulnerability also demonstrates a fundamental flaw in software security design practices, particularly regarding the handling of dynamic library loading and path resolution. The issue is further exacerbated by the fact that the vulnerability affects multiple applications within the same software suite, increasing the potential attack surface. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in the context of ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as the successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute commands and scripts with elevated privileges. The recommended mitigations include immediate application updates from CELSYS, implementation of proper directory access controls, and deployment of application whitelisting solutions to prevent unauthorized dll loading. System administrators should also monitor for suspicious file placements in common search directories and ensure that all software is kept up to date with the latest security patches to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.