CVE-2022-28339 in HouseCall for Home Networks
Summary
by MITRE • 02/22/2025
Trend Micro HouseCall for Home Networks version 5.3.1302 and below contains an uncontrolled search patch element vulnerability that could allow an attacker with low user privileges to create a malicious DLL that could lead to escalated privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-28339 affects Trend Micro HouseCall for Home Networks version 5.3.1302 and earlier releases, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of the software's dynamic link library (dll) loading mechanism. This issue stems from an uncontrolled search path element that permits attackers to manipulate the system's library resolution process. The vulnerability exists within the software's handling of dynamic library loading operations, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the paths used to locate required dll files during execution. When the software attempts to load a dynamic library, it searches through a predetermined set of directories without sufficient validation of the source or legitimacy of the requested library, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to exploit this weakness.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted malicious dll file that can be placed in a directory that the vulnerable software searches during its execution process. This flaw allows attackers with minimal privileges to potentially escalate their access rights within the system. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which specifically addresses the risk of attackers manipulating the search path to load malicious code instead of legitimate libraries. The attack vector typically involves placing a malicious dll file in a location that will be searched before legitimate system libraries, enabling the execution of unauthorized code with the privileges of the vulnerable application. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without requiring administrative privileges or complex attack techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-28339 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture that could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the vulnerable software. Once successfully exploited, an attacker could potentially gain access to sensitive system information, modify system files, or establish persistent access to the compromised network. The vulnerability affects home network environments where Trend Micro HouseCall is deployed, potentially exposing users to various cyber threats including data exfiltration, system compromise, and lateral movement within the network. This issue particularly concerns home network security solutions where users may not have advanced technical knowledge to detect or remediate such vulnerabilities, making the attack surface more expansive.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-28339 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the uncontrolled search path vulnerability, as Trend Micro has likely released patches to correct the issue. System administrators and users should implement additional security controls including application whitelisting, restricting write access to directories used by the vulnerable software, and monitoring for suspicious dll loading activities. The implementation of process monitoring tools and security information and event management (siem) solutions can help detect anomalous behavior associated with dll loading operations. Organizations should also consider implementing least privilege principles, ensuring that the vulnerable software runs with minimal required privileges and that the search paths are properly configured to prevent loading of unauthorized libraries. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly when dealing with dynamic library loading mechanisms. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of insecure library loading as a method to gain elevated system access.