CVE-2024-41865 in Dimension
Summary
by MITRE • 08/14/2024
Dimension versions 3.4.11 and earlier are affected by an Untrusted Search Path vulnerability that could lead to arbitrary code execution. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by inserting a malicious file into the search path, which the application might execute instead of the legitimate file. This could occur if the application uses a search path to locate executables or libraries. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-41865 affects Dimension versions 3.4.11 and earlier, presenting a critical untrusted search path weakness that exposes systems to arbitrary code execution risks. This flaw resides in the application's handling of file resolution mechanisms where the software searches through predefined paths to locate required executables or libraries. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize the search path components, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to manipulate the execution flow. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes user-supplied input or when it relies on dynamic path resolution without adequate security controls. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-427 Untrusted Search Path and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 for exploit execution through path manipulation. The security implications extend beyond simple file access as the vulnerability creates a vector for privilege escalation and persistent malware deployment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to have some level of access to the system or user interaction to place malicious files within the application's search path. The attack typically involves placing a crafted malicious executable or library with the same name as a legitimate component in a directory that appears earlier in the search path than the legitimate file location. When the application attempts to resolve the component, it inadvertently executes the attacker-controlled file instead of the intended legitimate one. This occurs because Windows and Unix-like systems follow a specific order when searching through directories in the PATH environment variable or application-specific search paths. The vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous when the application runs with elevated privileges or when the search path includes directories that are writable by unprivileged users. The exploitation process often requires social engineering or physical access to the system, as the attacker needs to ensure their malicious file is placed in the correct location before the application attempts to execute it.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-41865 extends beyond immediate code execution to encompass broader system compromise and data integrity threats. Organizations running affected versions of Dimension face potential unauthorized access to sensitive information, system persistence mechanisms, and lateral movement capabilities for attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability's requirement for user interaction creates a realistic attack surface that can be leveraged through phishing campaigns, malicious file attachments, or compromised user accounts. Once exploited, attackers can establish backdoors, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware payloads that persist across system reboots. The vulnerability also impacts system availability as malicious code execution could lead to system instability or complete system compromise. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as part of their broader threat modeling efforts, particularly in environments where Dimension is used for critical business operations or where multiple applications share common search paths. The impact assessment should include potential cascading effects when multiple vulnerable applications share similar path resolution mechanisms, creating a broader attack surface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-41865 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. The primary recommendation involves updating to Dimension versions 3.4.12 or later, which contain patches addressing the untrusted search path issue. Organizations should implement strict path validation controls that prevent relative path resolution and enforce absolute paths for all executable and library references. Security configurations should include removing unnecessary directories from search paths and ensuring that critical system directories are prioritized over user-writable locations. Application sandboxing and privilege separation techniques should be implemented to limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. Network-based mitigations can include monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns in system directories and implementing file integrity monitoring solutions. The implementation of security controls should align with industry best practices such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-171 for protecting sensitive information and should incorporate principles from the MITRE ATT&CK framework to defend against path manipulation techniques. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems that may be susceptible to the same class of attack.