CVE-2018-0600 in PlayMemories Home
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in the installer of PlayMemories Home for Windows ver.5.5.01 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 • 02/22/2020
The CVE-2018-0600 vulnerability represents a critical untrusted search path issue within the PlayMemories Home installer for Windows systems. This flaw affects versions 5.5.01 and earlier, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks through malicious DLL injection techniques. The vulnerability stems from the installer's improper handling of dynamic link library loading sequences, where the system searches for required libraries in predictable but insecure locations. Attackers can exploit this by placing a malicious DLL file in a directory that gets searched before the legitimate system directories, effectively allowing the malicious code to execute with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically targets the installer component rather than the core application, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered during the installation process when system privileges are highest.
This security weakness aligns with CWE-427, which describes uncontrolled search path vulnerabilities where applications search for libraries in insecure directories. The issue manifests through the Windows installer's dynamic loading mechanism, where the system's PATH environment variable is manipulated to include directories that are not properly secured. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the installer, potentially leading to full system compromise. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it leverages the trust relationship between the installer and the system's library loading mechanism, allowing malicious actors to bypass standard security controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0600 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can facilitate broader system compromise through chained attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially install backdoors, modify system files, or establish persistence mechanisms within the target environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where administrators may run installation processes with elevated privileges, creating a significant attack surface. Additionally, the exploit can be automated through social engineering techniques, where users unknowingly download and execute malicious installers that contain the Trojan horse DLL. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in installer components, as the issue lies in the fundamental design of how the installer handles library loading.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0600 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should immediately upgrade to PlayMemories Home version 5.5.02 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the untrusted search path vulnerability. System administrators should implement strict directory permissions and monitor for unauthorized DLL placements in common search paths. The principle of least privilege should be enforced during installation processes, ensuring that installers run with minimal required permissions. Additionally, security monitoring should include detection of suspicious library loading patterns and anomalous installer behavior. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Guidelines, particularly regarding library loading and PATH manipulation. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting solutions and maintaining strict control over system directories to prevent unauthorized DLL injection attacks. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for comprehensive security testing of installation components and the importance of validating all dynamic library loading operations against potential attack vectors.