CVE-2018-0656 in Digital Paper App
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in The installer of Digital Paper App version 1.4.0.16050 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 • 03/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0656 represents a critical untrusted search path weakness within the Digital Paper App installer component. This flaw affects versions 1.4.0.16050 and earlier, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate privileges through the strategic placement of Trojan horse DLL files. The installer's failure to properly validate or sanitize the search path allows arbitrary code execution during the installation process. The vulnerability stems from the installer's improper handling of dynamic link library loading, where it searches for required components in predictable locations without adequate verification mechanisms. This behavior aligns with CWE-427, which specifically addresses uncontrolled search path dependencies in software installations. The attack vector exploits the installer's trust in the system's default search order, allowing attackers to place malicious DLLs in directories that are searched before legitimate system locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential full system compromise. When a user executes the vulnerable installer, the system's search path is manipulated to prioritize attacker-controlled DLLs over legitimate system components, enabling code injection attacks that can execute with elevated privileges. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited in various scenarios including targeted attacks against specific users or organizations. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction, typically involving a simple installation execution, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may not fully understand the risks of executing unknown software. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 for execution through command-line interfaces and T1068 for privilege escalation, demonstrating the multi-layered attack potential.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0656 focus primarily on immediate version updates and system hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize updating to Digital Paper App versions that address this vulnerability, as the manufacturer has released patches to resolve the untrusted search path issue. System administrators should implement application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized binaries and monitor for suspicious DLL loading activities through process monitoring tools. The implementation of secure coding practices including proper DLL search path validation and use of absolute paths for library loading should be enforced across all installation components. Additionally, security awareness training for users regarding the dangers of executing unknown installers and the importance of verifying software authenticity can significantly reduce exploitation success rates. Network segmentation and privilege separation measures can further limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts, while regular security audits should verify that no malicious DLLs remain in system directories. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure installation practices and adheres to principles outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices, specifically addressing the need for proper input validation and secure library loading mechanisms.