CVE-2018-6461 in WinCVS
Summary
by MITRE
March Hare WINCVS before 2.8.01 build 6610, and CVS Suite before 2009R2 build 6610, contains an Insecure Library Loading vulnerability in the wincvs2.exe or wincvs.exe file, which may allow local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse Python or TCL DLL file in the current working directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6461 affects March Hare WINCVS versions prior to 2.8.01 build 6610 and CVS Suite versions before 2009R2 build 6610, representing a critical insecure library loading flaw that exploits the trust placed in dynamically loaded libraries. This vulnerability resides within the wincvs2.exe or wincvs.exe executables and demonstrates a classic path traversal and library loading weakness that has been documented in cybersecurity literature for decades. The flaw operates under the principle that applications load shared libraries from predictable locations without proper validation of the library source or authenticity, creating a window of opportunity for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly secure the dynamic link library loading mechanism. When the WINCVS application executes, it searches for required DLL dependencies in the current working directory before examining system directories, creating a race condition where malicious actors can place Trojan horse Python or TCL DLL files in the same directory as the vulnerable executable. This behavior directly aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which describes how applications that search for libraries in untrusted directories can be exploited by attackers who place malicious libraries in those directories. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user, potentially leading to full system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-6461 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and lateral movement capabilities within network environments. Local attackers who can place files in the working directory of the vulnerable application gain significant advantages, as they can manipulate the application's behavior through loaded libraries without requiring administrative privileges. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where users may have legitimate access to the application but lack proper security controls over their working directories. The attack vector is relatively simple to execute, requiring only that an attacker can write files to the directory containing the vulnerable executable, making it a persistent threat in environments where user privileges are not properly restricted.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, including immediate patching of affected systems to version 2.8.01 build 6610 or later for WINCVS and 2009R2 build 6610 or later for CVS Suite. The mitigation strategy should also incorporate proper directory permissions and file system hardening measures to prevent unauthorized file placement in application directories. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized DLL files and monitor for suspicious library loading behavior. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices, particularly regarding the secure handling of dynamic library loading and the principle of least privilege. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1055 Process Injection and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, highlighting the sophisticated nature of the attack and the need for comprehensive security monitoring. Organizations should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous library loading patterns and alert security teams to potential exploitation attempts.