CVE-2018-16545 in Asset Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Kaizen Asset Manager (Enterprise Edition) and Training Manager (Enterprise Edition) allow a remote attacker to achieve arbitrary code execution via file impersonation. For example, a malicious dynamic-link library (dll) assumed the identity of a temporary (tmp) file (isxdl.dll) and an executable file assumed the identity of a temporary file (996E.temp).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-16545 affects Kaizen Asset Manager and Training Manager Enterprise Edition products, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution through file impersonation techniques. This vulnerability stems from the software's improper handling of temporary files during the installation or execution process, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute unauthorized code on affected systems. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes dynamic-link libraries and temporary files, allowing attackers to manipulate the system's execution flow through carefully crafted malicious files that masquerade as legitimate temporary components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a sophisticated file impersonation attack vector where malicious actors can create and place specially crafted files with names that match legitimate temporary file names used by the vulnerable applications. In the specific case described, attackers could create malicious files named isxdl.dll to impersonate legitimate temporary files, or 996E.temp to masquerade as executable temporary files. This type of attack follows the common pattern of DLL hijacking and temporary file manipulation that has been documented in numerous security advisories and represents a well-established technique for privilege escalation and code execution. The vulnerability operates at the file system level where the application's trust model is exploited, allowing the execution of malicious code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable software.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain persistent access to target systems, potentially leading to full system compromise and lateral movement within network environments. The attack requires minimal user interaction since it can be executed remotely without requiring user authentication or specific user actions, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where these applications might be deployed across multiple systems. The vulnerability affects systems where the vulnerable applications are installed and running, potentially impacting organizations that have deployed Kaizen Asset Manager or Training Manager Enterprise Edition in their infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate application of vendor patches and updates, while also implementing defensive measures such as restricting write permissions to temporary directories and monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software within their network infrastructure and ensure that proper access controls are implemented to prevent unauthorized file creation in system directories. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which describes improper file permissions, and represents a classic example of privilege escalation through file system manipulation. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for file impersonation patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability can be exploited as part of broader attack campaigns targeting enterprise software installations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of legitimate system tools and processes for malicious purposes through file system manipulation and impersonation attacks.