CVE-2018-17170 in Desktop Client
Summary
by MITRE
Grouptime Teamwire Desktop Client 1.5.1 prior to 1.9.0 on Windows allows code injection via a template, leading to remote code execution. All backend versions prior to prod-2018-11-13-15-00-42 are affected.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/09/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2018-17170 represents a critical code injection flaw in the Grouptime Teamwire Desktop Client version 1.5.1 and earlier on Windows platforms. This security weakness affects all backend versions prior to the specific build prod-2018-11-13-15-00-42, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors seeking to compromise affected systems. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the client's template processing mechanism, which allows attackers to inject arbitrary code that executes with the privileges of the targeted user. This flaw directly aligns with CWE-94, which categorizes improper control of generation of code as a fundamental weakness in software security design. The attack vector leverages the client's template handling capabilities to execute malicious code remotely, bypassing standard security controls and potentially leading to full system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the Teamwire Desktop Client processes template files that contain malicious code within their structure. Attackers can craft specially designed template content that gets executed during normal client operations, enabling remote code execution without requiring authentication or elevated privileges. This code injection mechanism operates through the client's template rendering engine, which fails to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied template data before execution. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects the desktop client application itself, which typically runs with the privileges of the logged-in user. This means that successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, data theft, or further lateral movement within the network. The issue demonstrates a classic example of insufficient input sanitization that violates fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate system compromise to encompass broader organizational security implications. Organizations using affected Teamwire versions face potential data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and possible establishment of persistent backdoors within their networks. The remote execution capability eliminates the need for physical access or local network presence, making the attack surface extremely broad and difficult to monitor. Security teams must consider the potential for this vulnerability to be exploited by advanced persistent threat actors who may use it as an initial access vector. The affected backend versions indicate that this vulnerability was present for an extended period, potentially allowing attackers to establish long-term presence within compromised environments. Mitigation efforts should include immediate patching to version 1.9.0 or later, network monitoring for suspicious template processing activities, and comprehensive security assessments of affected systems. Additionally, organizations should implement network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement and establish robust monitoring for anomalous client behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing proper input validation controls to prevent code injection attacks.