CVE-2019-19689 in HouseCall for Home Networks
Summary
by MITRE
Trend Micro HouseCall for Home Networks (versions below 5.3.0.1063) could be exploited via a DLL Hijack related to a vulnerability on the packer that the program uses.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-19689 affects Trend Micro HouseCall for Home Networks versions prior to 5.3.0.1063, representing a critical security weakness that stems from improper handling of dynamic link library (dll) loading mechanisms within the software's packaging infrastructure. This flaw creates an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems through a technique known as dynamic link library hijacking. The vulnerability specifically resides in how the application's packer component manages the loading of dependent libraries, creating opportunities for attackers to position malicious dll files in locations where the legitimate software will attempt to load them.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the packer component failing to properly validate or restrict the search path used when loading dynamic libraries, which enables attackers to manipulate the library loading sequence. When Trend Micro HouseCall for Home Networks attempts to load required dll files, it follows a predictable search order that includes directories where untrusted code could be placed. This behavior aligns with common software exploitation patterns described in the attack mitigation framework and represents a classic example of insecure library loading practices that fall under the CWE-778 category of improper restriction of operations within a recognized blacklist. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to place a malicious dll file in a location that will be prioritized in the library loading sequence, causing the legitimate application to execute attacker-controlled code with the privileges of the victim user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a means to establish persistent access to home networks that are protected by Trend Micro HouseCall for Home Networks. The affected software operates with elevated privileges during its execution, meaning that successful exploitation could result in full system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or establish command and control channels without requiring additional exploitation steps. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in home network environments where users may not have advanced security knowledge and where the software may be running with administrative privileges. The attack vector is relatively straightforward, requiring only that an attacker place a malicious dll file in a location that will be accessed during the normal operation of the vulnerable software, making it a particularly attractive target for automated exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-19689 should focus on immediate patching of the affected software to version 5.3.0.1063 or later, which addresses the underlying library loading vulnerability through proper path validation and secure loading mechanisms. Organizations and users should also implement additional protective measures including monitoring for suspicious dll loading activities, applying application whitelisting policies to restrict which executables can run on the system, and ensuring that the software operates with minimal required privileges. Network-level protections such as intrusion detection systems can help detect attempts to place malicious files in locations that might be accessed by vulnerable applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper library loading mechanisms, as outlined in the software security principles that emphasize the need for applications to validate library paths and avoid insecure loading sequences. Security professionals should also consider implementing regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar insecure library loading patterns in other software components within the network infrastructure, as this represents a common class of vulnerabilities that can be exploited across multiple applications and platforms.