CVE-2024-24122 in Yitu Project
Summary
by MITRE • 10/02/2024
A remote code execution vulnerability in the project management of Wanxing Technology's Yitu project which allows an attacker to use the exp.adpx file as a zip compressed file to construct a special file name, which can be used to decompress the project file into the system startup folder, restart the system, and automatically execute the constructed attack script.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Wanxing Technology's Yitu project management software that leverages archive extraction mechanisms to achieve persistent system compromise. The vulnerability specifically exploits the handling of .adpx files which are treated as zip compressed archives within the application's project management functionality. Attackers can construct malicious file names that, when processed by the application's decompression routine, result in arbitrary file placement within the system's startup directory. This technique directly maps to attack patterns described in the ATT&CK framework under T1068 for local privilege escalation and T1547 for persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path traversal checks during archive extraction processes, creating a condition where user-controlled filenames can bypass normal security boundaries. The flaw resides in the application's failure to properly sanitize or restrict file paths during decompression operations, allowing attackers to manipulate the extraction target location. When the system restarts, the malicious payload placed in the startup folder executes automatically, creating a persistent backdoor that operates without user interaction. This type of vulnerability is classified as CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-78 Command Injection, as it combines directory traversal with arbitrary code execution capabilities. The technical implementation involves manipulating the archive structure to include path traversal sequences that redirect file extraction to privileged system locations. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential privilege escalation and system compromise that persists across reboots. Organizations using this software face significant risk of complete system takeover, as the vulnerability enables attackers to establish persistent access and execute arbitrary commands with system-level privileges. The exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond initiating the project file processing, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may unknowingly open malicious project files.
The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insecure archive handling that violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and input validation. The attack vector exploits the trust relationship between the application and its file processing components, where legitimate decompression functionality becomes a pathway for malicious code injection. The system startup folder targeting represents a well-known persistence mechanism that aligns with ATT&CK tactic T1037 for Boot or Logon Initialization Scripts and T1547 for Registry Run Keys. This approach bypasses many traditional security controls as it operates within the normal application workflow rather than through network-based attack vectors. The exploitation process involves crafting a specially formatted .adpx file that contains a payload designed to execute upon system restart, creating a self-replicating attack that maintains persistence without requiring continued user interaction. Security controls such as application whitelisting or execution policies may be circumvented if the malicious script is placed in standard system directories. The vulnerability also exposes weaknesses in the software's security architecture, particularly in how it handles untrusted input from external files. The flaw represents a failure to implement proper sandboxing or containment mechanisms during file processing operations, allowing potentially malicious file operations to affect the entire system.
Mitigation strategies must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring. The most critical immediate action involves applying vendor patches or updates that fix the archive extraction logic to properly validate and sanitize file paths during decompression operations. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected systems and reduce the attack surface. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual file creation patterns in system startup directories and abnormal process execution during system boot cycles. The implementation of application control measures such as Windows Defender Application Control or similar technologies can prevent execution of unauthorized scripts from startup locations. Regular security assessments should include testing for similar path traversal vulnerabilities in other file processing components within the application ecosystem. Organizations should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized changes to critical system directories. The vulnerability highlights the importance of principle of least privilege in software design, where applications should operate with minimal required permissions and avoid writing to system-critical directories. Additionally, input validation should be strengthened to prevent path traversal sequences from being processed as legitimate file paths. Regular security training for users on recognizing potentially malicious project files and understanding the risks of opening untrusted files can provide an additional layer of defense. The incident underscores the need for comprehensive security testing including penetration testing and code review processes that specifically target file processing and archive handling functionality. Organizations should also consider implementing automated threat hunting procedures focused on identifying similar patterns of attack within their environments.