CVE-2018-0621 in Connection Utility Software
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in LOGICOOL CONNECTION UTILITY SOFTWARE versions before 2.30.9 allows an attacker to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/10/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0621 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within LOGICOOL CONNECTION UTILITY SOFTWARE, specifically affecting versions prior to 230.9. This flaw stems from the software's improper handling of dynamic link library (DLL) loading mechanisms during the execution process. The vulnerability manifests when the application searches for required DLL files in a predictable directory structure without implementing proper validation or sanitization of the search paths. Attackers can exploit this weakness by placing a malicious Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory that the software will traverse during its execution cycle, effectively allowing privilege escalation through malicious code injection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-426, which describes untrusted search path conditions where applications search for executables or libraries using insecure paths. The flaw operates under the principle that the software does not properly validate or restrict the directories from which it loads dynamic libraries, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the execution flow. When the legitimate software executes and attempts to load required components, it inadvertently loads the attacker-controlled DLL instead of the intended legitimate library, enabling code execution with the privileges of the running process. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper input validation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for users of the affected LOGICOOL CONNECTION UTILITY SOFTWARE, as it allows for privilege escalation attacks that can result in complete system compromise. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it does not require user interaction beyond the normal software execution, making it a passive threat that can be exploited in the background. The vulnerability could enable attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or execute arbitrary code with elevated permissions, potentially leading to full system compromise. Additionally, this flaw affects the integrity of the software supply chain, as it allows malicious actors to inject code into legitimate software execution paths without requiring direct access to the software installation directories.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends across multiple operational environments where the affected software is deployed, including enterprise networks, desktop environments, and potentially embedded systems that utilize LOGICOOL hardware. Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in relation to ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and script interpretation, as the privilege escalation could enable attackers to execute malicious commands through the compromised software. The vulnerability also relates to T1068, privilege escalation through local exploitation, and T1546, which covers changes to system processes and execution flows. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for unusual DLL loading patterns and ensure that the software is updated to version 2.30.9 or later to mitigate this risk.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of the vendor-provided patch that addresses the untrusted search path vulnerability, along with network monitoring for suspicious DLL loading activities. System administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software and implement proper access controls to prevent unauthorized modifications to software directories. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, enabling Windows Defender Application Control, and conducting regular security audits of software installation paths. The remediation process should also include educating users about the risks of running software from untrusted sources and implementing proper software update management procedures. Organizations should consider deploying endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous DLL loading behaviors indicative of this specific vulnerability, as well as establishing proper incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts.