CVE-2018-7239 in SoMove Software
Summary
by MITRE
A DLL hijacking vulnerability exists in Schneider Electric's SoMove Software and associated DTM software components in all versions prior to 2.6.2 which could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7239 represents a critical DLL hijacking flaw within Schneider Electric's SoMove software ecosystem and its associated DTM (Device Type Manager) components. This weakness affects all versions prior to 2.6.2 and creates a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized code execution privileges. The issue stems from improper handling of dynamic link library loading mechanisms within the software architecture, specifically when the application attempts to load required system libraries without proper validation of their source and integrity.
This vulnerability operates under the well-documented CWE-426 weakness category, which encompasses insecure library loading practices that enable attackers to substitute legitimate system libraries with malicious counterparts. The attack vector leverages the Windows dynamic loading mechanism where applications search for required DLL files in a specific order, and if the application directory contains a malicious DLL with the same name as a legitimate library, the system will load the attacker-controlled code instead of the intended component. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable software, potentially escalating to system-level access depending on the execution context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within industrial control systems environments where Schneider Electric products are commonly deployed. The affected SoMove software serves as a configuration and management tool for various industrial devices, making it an attractive target for adversaries seeking to compromise operational technology infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify configuration settings, or even manipulate industrial processes through the compromised software components. The attack typically requires local system access or the ability to influence the software's execution environment, which could be achieved through social engineering, malicious USB drives, or network-based delivery methods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7239 should prioritize immediate patching to version 2.6.2 or later, which addresses the insecure DLL loading behavior through proper library validation mechanisms. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized DLL execution, hardening the software installation directories to prevent modification, and monitoring for suspicious library loading activities. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1059.007 for PowerShell, as attackers may use these capabilities to establish persistence after successful exploitation. Network segmentation and privilege separation measures should be implemented to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, particularly in critical infrastructure environments where the software operates. System administrators should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their industrial control system environments to identify other potential DLL hijacking vulnerabilities that may exist in similar software components.