CVE-2022-26081 in WPS Office
Summary
by MITRE • 03/17/2022
The installer of WPS Office Version 10.8.0.5745 insecurely load shcore.dll, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privilege of the user invoking the installer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-26081 resides within the installer component of WPS Office version 10.8.0.5745, representing a critical security flaw that enables privilege escalation through insecure dynamic library loading practices. This issue stems from the installer's improper handling of the shcore.dll library, which is a Windows system component responsible for scaling and layout operations. The vulnerability manifests when the installer loads this dynamic link library without adequate security checks or validation mechanisms, creating an attack surface that adversaries can exploit to execute malicious code with the privileges of the user who initiated the installation process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a classic insecure library loading attack pattern where an attacker can manipulate the library search order by placing a malicious shcore.dll file in a location that gets searched before the legitimate system library. This allows the attacker to inject arbitrary code that executes with the same privileges as the installer, which typically runs with the user's permissions. The flaw directly aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which describes how applications that search for libraries in untrusted locations can be vulnerable to this type of attack. The vulnerability represents a significant concern because it operates at the installation phase, when users may not be actively monitoring system behavior and when the installer typically has elevated privileges to modify system components.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-26081 extends beyond simple code execution as it provides a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within a target environment. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can execute arbitrary code with the user's privileges, potentially leading to privilege escalation if the user has elevated access rights. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it targets the installation process, which often occurs during system maintenance or when users are installing new software. This vulnerability can be leveraged by attackers to deploy malware, establish persistence mechanisms, or perform reconnaissance activities within the compromised system. The risk is amplified because many users may not be aware of the security implications of installing third-party software, making this attack vector particularly effective for social engineering campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-26081 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary recommendation is to update to a patched version of WPS Office that resolves the insecure library loading behavior, which would typically involve implementing proper library validation and using secure search paths that prioritize system directories over user-controllable locations. Organizations should also implement application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of unauthorized software installations, particularly during critical system maintenance periods. The security controls should include monitoring for suspicious installation activities and ensuring that system libraries are not overwritten by potentially malicious files. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as it allows adversaries to execute code with user privileges and potentially escalate to higher privileges through further exploitation techniques. System administrators should also consider implementing least privilege principles for installation processes and regularly audit system components to detect unauthorized modifications to critical system libraries.