CVE-2022-1098 in DIAEnergie
Summary
by MITRE • 04/02/2022
Delta Electronics DIAEnergie (all versions prior to 1.8.02.004) are vulnerable to a DLL hijacking condition. When combined with the Incorrect Default Permissions vulnerability of 4.2.2 above, this makes it possible for an attacker to escalate privileges
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2022
Delta Electronics DIAEnergie software versions prior to 1.8.02.004 contain a critical DLL hijacking vulnerability that creates a significant security risk for affected systems. This vulnerability stems from the software's improper handling of dynamic link library loading mechanisms, where the application fails to properly validate or restrict the paths from which DLL files are loaded. The flaw allows attackers to place malicious DLL files in directories that are searched before the legitimate system directories, enabling arbitrary code execution when the vulnerable application runs. This issue is classified under CWE-426 as an Untrusted Search Path vulnerability, where the application searches for libraries in insecure locations that could be manipulated by attackers. The vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous when combined with an incorrect default permissions flaw, as described in the referenced CVE 4.2.2, which allows attackers to gain initial access to modify system files and directories.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to place a malicious DLL file in a location that will be searched before legitimate system directories during the application's execution process. This typically involves placing the malicious library in directories such as the application's installation folder, the current working directory, or other locations in the system's PATH environment variable. When the vulnerable DIAEnergie application executes, it loads the malicious DLL instead of the legitimate one, resulting in code execution with the privileges of the running process. The privilege escalation aspect becomes particularly concerning because attackers can leverage this initial foothold to elevate their access level within the system, potentially gaining administrative or root-level privileges depending on the target environment. This combination creates a complete attack chain that can be exploited in various network environments where the vulnerable software is installed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data breaches. Organizations using Delta Electronics DIAEnergie software in industrial control systems, energy management environments, or any critical infrastructure applications face significant risk from this vulnerability. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be exploited remotely through various means including malicious file transfers, compromised network shares, or by leveraging other initial access points within the network. The vulnerability affects not only individual workstations but also entire network infrastructures where the software is deployed, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access points within the organization's network. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1546.009 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the threat.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate software updates to version 1.8.02.004 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the DLL loading behavior. Organizations should also implement strict file permission controls on directories where the software operates, ensuring that only authorized users have write access to these locations. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit potential attack vectors and reduce the impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual DLL loading patterns or unauthorized file modifications in system directories. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable software within their networks and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting solutions can help prevent execution of unauthorized DLL files, while regular security audits should verify that default permissions have been properly configured to prevent unauthorized modifications to critical system components.