CVE-2024-4089 in SuperFile
Summary
by MITRE • 10/11/2024
A DLL hijack vulnerability was reported in Lenovo Super File 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-2024-4089 represents a critical DLL hijacking flaw within Lenovo Super File software, a system utility designed for file management and system operations. This vulnerability stems from improper dynamic link library loading mechanisms that fail to validate the integrity and origin of loaded modules, creating a pathway for malicious code execution. The flaw specifically affects the software's handling of dynamic library dependencies during runtime operations, allowing attackers to manipulate the execution flow through strategic placement of malicious DLL files in predictable system paths. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous when targeting system utilities that operate with elevated privileges, as they can provide attackers with unauthorized access to critical system resources and functionalities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common DLL hijacking patterns documented in CWE-426 and CWE-74, where applications search for dynamic libraries in predictable locations without proper validation of their authenticity or integrity. The Lenovo Super File application likely employs a standard Windows library loading mechanism that searches through the system PATH environment variable, potentially including directories where untrusted DLLs could be placed by local attackers. When the application executes and attempts to load required libraries, it inadvertently loads attacker-controlled modules instead of legitimate system components. This behavior creates a privilege escalation vector since the application typically runs with elevated permissions, allowing the malicious DLL to execute with the same elevated privileges as the legitimate application. The vulnerability specifically exploits the absence of explicit library path validation and secure loading practices that should prevent loading of untrusted modules from insecure locations.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-4089 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access to vulnerable systems while maintaining elevated privileges. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deploy additional malware, modify system configurations, access sensitive data, or establish backdoors for continued unauthorized access. The local nature of this attack means that no network connectivity is required for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical access or initial compromise is achieved through other means. The vulnerability affects systems where Lenovo Super File is installed and actively running with elevated privileges, potentially compromising entire corporate networks if exploited on critical infrastructure systems. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1547.001 (Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder), as attackers can use the elevated privileges to establish persistence mechanisms. The impact is further amplified by the fact that system utilities like Super File are often trusted components that may not be subject to the same security scrutiny as user applications, making them ideal targets for privilege escalation attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-4089 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should immediately patch or update Lenovo Super File to versions that address the DLL loading behavior, ensuring that libraries are loaded from secure and validated locations only. System administrators should implement strict library loading policies using Windows AppLocker or similar application control mechanisms to prevent unauthorized DLL execution. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that system utilities run with minimal required permissions rather than elevated privileges. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious DLL loading patterns and unusual library access behaviors. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in system utilities, specifically implementing secure library loading mechanisms that use explicit paths and digital signatures to validate library integrity. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of similar system utilities and applications to identify and remediate comparable insecure library loading patterns that may exist in their environments.