CVE-2018-5003 in Creative Cloud Desktop Application
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop Application before 4.5.5.342 (installer) has an insecure library loading (dll hijacking) vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to privilege escalation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2023
The CVE-2018-5003 vulnerability represents a critical insecure library loading flaw within Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop Application versions prior to 4.5.5.342. This vulnerability specifically affects the installer component of the application and manifests as a dll hijacking opportunity that can be exploited by attackers to escalate privileges on affected systems. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly validate and load dynamic link libraries, creating an attack surface where malicious code can be executed with elevated privileges.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-427 weakness category, which specifically addresses insecure library loading conditions that allow attackers to load malicious code in place of legitimate system libraries. The technical implementation involves the application's installer process not properly specifying library paths or using unsafe loading mechanisms that permit attackers to place malicious dll files in directories where the legitimate libraries would normally be located. When the installer executes and attempts to load required libraries, it inadvertently loads the attacker-controlled malicious dll instead of the legitimate one, enabling code execution with the privileges of the installer process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and persistent access. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain elevated privileges that allow them to modify system files, install additional malware, or establish backdoors within the compromised environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the installer component, which typically runs with elevated permissions during software installation processes. This creates a prime opportunity for attackers to gain system-level access and maintain persistence within the target environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5003 focus on immediate patch application and system hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize updating Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop Application to version 4.5.5.342 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to address the insecure library loading vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should implement proper library loading practices including the use of absolute paths for library references, implementation of binary whitelisting policies, and regular security audits of system directories where libraries are loaded. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the 'DLL Side-Loading' tactic, making it a critical concern for security teams implementing comprehensive threat hunting and prevention strategies. Network segmentation and application control measures can further reduce the attack surface and limit potential exploitation opportunities.