CVE-2024-7263 in WPS Office
Summary
by MITRE • 08/15/2024
Improper path validation in promecefpluginhost.exe in Kingsoft WPS Office version ranging from 12.2.0.13110 to 12.2.0.13489 on Windows allows an attacker to load an arbitrary Windows library. The patch released in version 12.2.0.16909 to mitigate CVE-2024-7262 was not restrictive enough. Another hyperlink parameter was not properly sanitized which leads to the execution of an arbitrary Windows library.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-7263 represents a critical path traversal and dynamic library loading flaw within the promecefpluginhost.exe component of Kingsoft WPS Office. This issue affects versions ranging from 12.2.0.13110 through 12.2.0.13489 on Windows systems, creating a significant attack surface that allows adversaries to execute arbitrary Windows libraries through improper path validation mechanisms. The flaw specifically manifests in the handling of hyperlink parameters, where insufficient sanitization permits attackers to manipulate the library loading process and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path resolution within the plugin host component. When processing hyperlink parameters, the promecefpluginhost.exe executable fails to properly validate or sanitize the specified paths, allowing attackers to craft malicious URLs that bypass normal security controls. This weakness enables path traversal attacks where arbitrary library paths can be specified, leading to the loading of unauthorized dynamic link libraries from locations outside the intended application scope. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, both of which are commonly exploited in privilege escalation and code execution scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-7263 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the target environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could load malicious DLLs that execute arbitrary commands, steal sensitive data, or establish persistence mechanisms within the victim's system. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is particularly concerning given that WPS Office is widely used across enterprise environments, making successful exploitation potentially impactful across multiple organizational boundaries. This flaw also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1559.001 for Dynamic Link Library Injection, which describes methods for executing malicious code through legitimate system processes.
The remediation for this vulnerability required the implementation of more restrictive path validation controls within the promecefpluginhost.exe component. The patch released in version 12.2.0.16909 addressed the specific issue by enhancing the sanitization of hyperlink parameters and implementing stricter path validation mechanisms. However, the vulnerability demonstrates how incomplete remediation efforts can leave residual attack vectors, as the previous patch for CVE-2024-7262 was insufficient in addressing all potential entry points. Organizations should prioritize updating to the patched versions and implement additional monitoring for suspicious library loading activities. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of comprehensive input validation and the need for defense-in-depth strategies that protect against multiple attack vectors within complex software ecosystems.