CVE-2020-6771 in IP Helper
Summary
by MITRE
Loading a DLL through an Uncontrolled Search Path Element in Bosch IP Helper up to and including version 1.00.0008 potentially allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a victim's system. A prerequisite is that the victim is tricked into placing a malicious DLL in the same application directory as the portable IP Helper application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-6771 represents a critical security flaw in Bosch IP Helper software versions 1.00.0008 and earlier. This issue stems from improper handling of dynamic link library loading mechanisms within the application's search path resolution process. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which occurs when an application searches for libraries in directories that are not properly controlled or validated. The affected Bosch IP Helper application fails to implement secure library loading practices, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on targeted systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to manipulate the application's execution environment through a carefully crafted social engineering campaign. The attacker must convince a victim to place a maliciously crafted DLL file in the same directory as the portable IP Helper application. This attack vector relies on the application's default behavior of searching for required libraries in the current working directory before examining system directories. When the application attempts to load a required DLL, it will first check the local directory and load the malicious version instead of the legitimate library. This creates a privilege escalation scenario where the malicious code executes with the same privileges as the legitimate application, potentially allowing full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a fundamental flaw in software security design that can be exploited across various networked environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The portable nature of the IP Helper application makes this attack particularly dangerous, as the application can be easily moved between systems and environments. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Bosch IP Helper for network management or device configuration, potentially exposing critical infrastructure components to unauthorized access. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability as part of broader attack surface assessments, particularly in environments where users have the ability to execute portable applications or where system integrity controls are insufficient.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-6771 must address both the immediate vulnerability and broader security posture issues. Organizations should immediately update to the latest version of Bosch IP Helper where this vulnerability has been patched, as the vendor has released remediation updates. System administrators should implement strict directory permissions and access controls to prevent unauthorized DLL placement in application directories. The principle of least privilege should be enforced, ensuring that users cannot modify application directories or place files in locations where the application searches for libraries. Network segmentation and application whitelisting controls can provide additional defense in depth layers. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual DLL loading patterns and unauthorized file modifications in application directories. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, making it a significant concern for incident response teams and security operations centers. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify other applications that may be vulnerable to similar search path manipulation attacks, as this represents a common class of software security flaws that can be systematically addressed through secure coding practices and proper library loading mechanisms.