CVE-2018-20341 in SecureDoc Disk Encryption
Summary
by MITRE
WINMAGIC SecureDoc Disk Encryption before 8.3 has an Unquoted Search Path or Element.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-20341 affects WINMAGIC SecureDoc Disk Encryption software versions prior to 8.3, specifically targeting an unquoted search path or element weakness that creates exploitable conditions within the system's execution environment. This flaw resides in how the software handles path resolution for executable components, creating opportunities for privilege escalation and code injection attacks. The vulnerability stems from the software's failure to properly quote pathnames when defining executable locations, allowing attackers to place malicious binaries in directories that are searched before the legitimate software components.
This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-177 weakness category, which specifically addresses the dangerous use of unquoted search paths or element names. The security implications extend beyond simple path traversal issues, as this vulnerability can be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. When Windows searches for executables, it follows a specific order that includes system directories, and if pathnames are not properly quoted, malicious files placed in earlier search locations can be executed instead of the intended legitimate software components. This behavior creates a fundamental security flaw that can be exploited through various attack vectors including social engineering or direct system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations using affected versions of WINMAGIC SecureDoc Disk Encryption, as it can lead to unauthorized privilege escalation and potential complete system compromise. Attackers can exploit this weakness by placing malicious executables in directories that are searched before the legitimate SecureDoc components, potentially gaining administrative access to encrypted systems. This threat is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where disk encryption solutions are deployed to protect sensitive data, as the vulnerability could undermine the very security measures designed to protect against unauthorized access. The attack surface is widened by the fact that this issue affects the installation and execution paths of the encryption software itself, making it a critical concern for security administrators.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-20341 should prioritize immediate software updates to version 8.3 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the unquoted search path vulnerability. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive audits of the affected software installation paths to ensure proper quoting of all executable paths and remove any unnecessary or deprecated components that could be exploited. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and monitoring for unusual executable activity can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider applying the principle of least privilege to limit the impact of potential exploitation and ensure that only authorized personnel have access to modify system paths or install software components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper path handling in security-critical applications and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers privilege escalation through local system exploitation.