CVE-2020-6786 in Video Recording Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Loading a DLL through an Uncontrolled Search Path Element in the Bosch Video Recording Manager installer up to and including version 3.82.0055 for 3.82, up to and including version 3.81.0064 for 3.81 and 3.71 and older 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 directory where the installer is started from.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-6786 represents a critical security flaw in the Bosch Video Recording Manager installer software affecting multiple versions including 3.82.0055, 3.81.0064, and older releases. This issue stems from improper handling of dynamic link library loading mechanisms within the installer's execution environment, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the installer processes DLL files without proper validation of their source or integrity, allowing malicious actors to exploit this weakness through carefully crafted file placement attacks.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-426, which describes Untrusted Search Path Element, a well-documented weakness in software security where applications search for required libraries in directories that can be manipulated by attackers. The Bosch installer demonstrates this flaw by relying on the system's default search path behavior rather than implementing explicit and secure library loading mechanisms. When the installer runs from a directory containing a malicious DLL with the same name as a legitimate library it attempts to load, the system's dynamic linker will prioritize the malicious file over the legitimate one due to the default search order behavior.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, creating a potential attack vector for sophisticated malware deployment and system compromise. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability would need to convince a victim to execute the installer from a directory where they have placed the malicious DLL, which typically involves social engineering or phishing techniques. Once executed, the malicious DLL would run with the privileges of the installer process, potentially allowing full system compromise and persistent access. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as the malicious code execution would occur through legitimate installer processes.
The security implications of this vulnerability are particularly severe given that the Bosch Video Recording Manager is typically deployed in security-critical environments such as surveillance systems, where unauthorized access could lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise from attackers since it leverages fundamental Windows security weaknesses rather than requiring complex exploitation techniques. Organizations using these versions of the software should immediately implement mitigations including verifying installer integrity through digital signatures, implementing proper access controls on installation directories, and conducting thorough security audits of their deployment environments. Additionally, the vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper library loading mechanisms that align with industry standards such as those recommended in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and Microsoft's Security Development Lifecycle guidelines.