CVE-2024-33581 in PC Manager AI intelligent Scenario
Summary
by MITRE • 10/11/2024
A DLL hijack vulnerability was reported in Lenovo PC Manager AI intelligent scenario that could allow a local attacker to execute code with elevated privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-33581 represents a critical DLL hijacking flaw within Lenovo PC Manager AI intelligent scenario software. This vulnerability resides in the software's dynamic link library loading mechanism, which fails to properly validate or restrict the paths from which dynamic libraries are loaded. The flaw allows a local attacker to place a malicious DLL in a location where the legitimate application expects to find its dependencies, thereby enabling arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges. Such vulnerabilities typically arise from improper use of Windows API functions or insecure library loading practices that do not adhere to secure coding standards. The affected Lenovo PC Manager AI intelligent scenario application likely employs a search path that includes current working directory or other insecure locations, creating an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled libraries can be loaded ahead of legitimate ones.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-426, which describes the insecure loading of dynamic libraries, and specifically relates to CWE-74, which covers the injection of dynamic libraries through the search path mechanism. The attack vector requires local system access, as the exploit cannot be executed remotely, but the privilege escalation aspect makes it particularly dangerous in environments where users have local access to systems. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential privilege escalation to system level, depending on the application's execution context and the user's permissions. This type of vulnerability is commonly exploited in lateral movement scenarios where attackers first gain user-level access and then leverage such flaws to escalate privileges and establish more persistent access to target systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-33581 is significant for organizations deploying Lenovo PC Manager AI intelligent scenario software, as it provides a pathway for local attackers to gain elevated privileges without requiring additional exploitation techniques. The vulnerability affects the software's ability to securely manage dynamic library dependencies, potentially allowing attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the target user or system. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where multiple users may have local access to systems running vulnerable software. The attack model typically involves a local user placing a malicious DLL in a directory that the vulnerable application searches during runtime, which then loads the attacker-controlled library instead of the legitimate one. This flaw can be exploited through various methods including direct file system manipulation or through more sophisticated attack chains that leverage other system weaknesses.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-33581 should focus on addressing the root cause of insecure library loading practices. Organizations should implement secure coding practices that enforce the use of absolute paths for dynamic library loading, utilize Windows' delayed loading mechanisms, and employ proper application whitelisting controls. The vulnerability can be addressed through immediate patching of the affected Lenovo PC Manager AI intelligent scenario software, as well as through system hardening measures that restrict the search paths used by applications. System administrators should also consider implementing application control policies that prevent unauthorized DLL loading and monitor for suspicious file placement activities in system directories. Additionally, the use of exploit protection features such as DLL block lists and controlled folder access can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1546.009, which covers the abuse of dynamic link library injection, and organizations should consider this when developing their defensive strategies and incident response procedures.