CVE-2020-29157 in K Editor
Summary
by MITRE • 07/15/2021
An issue in RAONWIZ K Editor v2018.0.0.10 allows attackers to perform a DLL hijacking attack when the service or system is restarted.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-29157 resides within the RAONWIZ K Editor version 2018.0.0.10, representing a critical security flaw that enables attackers to execute DLL hijacking attacks during system or service restarts. This issue stems from improper handling of dynamic link library loading mechanisms within the application's runtime environment, creating an exploitable condition that adversaries can leverage to gain unauthorized code execution privileges. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the targeted system undergoes restart operations, as this process creates window of opportunity for malicious DLLs to be loaded in place of legitimate ones.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-426, which describes the insecure loading of dynamic link libraries where applications fail to properly validate or control the paths from which DLLs are loaded. When the RAONWIZ K Editor service restarts, it does not adequately secure its dynamic link library resolution process, allowing attackers to place malicious DLL files in directories that are searched before the legitimate system directories. This behavior creates a classic DLL hijacking scenario where the system loads attacker-controlled code instead of the intended legitimate libraries, effectively providing a backdoor for persistent access and privilege escalation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations relying on the RAONWIZ K Editor for document management and editing tasks. The timing of the exploit during system restarts means that the window of opportunity for attack is limited but predictable, making it particularly dangerous in environments where automated restarts occur frequently. Attackers can exploit this weakness to install rootkits, keyloggers, or other malicious software that persists across system reboots, potentially compromising entire network infrastructures. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1574.002, which covers DLL side-loading, further emphasizing the operational impact of unauthorized code execution through legitimate system processes.
The exploitation of CVE-2020-29157 requires minimal technical expertise and can be automated, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking low-hanging fruit in enterprise environments. Organizations using this specific version of the RAONWIZ K Editor should consider immediate mitigation strategies including patching to the latest available version, implementing strict directory permissions on system directories, and conducting thorough network monitoring for suspicious DLL loading activities. Additionally, system administrators should implement application whitelisting policies and ensure that all system restarts are properly audited to prevent unauthorized DLL placement. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper DLL loading mechanisms in preventing privilege escalation attacks that can persist across system restarts and compromise long-term security posture.