CVE-2026-18755 in GV-ASManager
Summary
by MITRE • 08/04/2026
A DLL hijacking vulnerability in GeoVision GV-ASManager allows a local attacker with write access to an unsafe search directory to execute arbitrary code. By placing a crafted dynamic-link library (DLL) file into the application search path prior to the legitimate library, the malicious code is loaded and executed under the security privileges of the GV-ASManager process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2026
This vulnerability represents a classic dll hijacking flaw that exploits insecure dynamic link library loading mechanisms within the GeoVision GV-ASManager application. The weakness stems from the application's failure to properly validate or restrict the search paths used when loading dynamic-link libraries, creating an opportunity for local attackers who possess write permissions to unsafe directories. The vulnerability operates under the principle that windows operating systems follow a specific order when searching for dll files, typically starting with the application directory followed by system directories and then user-defined paths. When an attacker can write to any directory in this search chain, they can place a malicious dll file with the same name as a legitimate library that the application attempts to load.
The technical exploitation requires the attacker to identify an unsafe search directory where they have write privileges, typically a directory that appears earlier in the windows dll search order than the legitimate system directories. Once the malicious dll is placed in this strategic location, any execution of GV-ASManager will trigger the loading of the attacker's code instead of the intended legitimate library. This creates a privilege escalation scenario where the malicious code executes with the same security context and permissions as the GV-ASManager process, potentially allowing access to sensitive system resources or data that the application normally handles. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages the trust relationship between applications and their expected library dependencies, making detection more difficult.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can provide attackers with persistent access to systems running GeoVision GV-ASManager software. Since the application typically runs with elevated privileges due to its role in managing security camera systems, successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise or unauthorized surveillance access. The vulnerability affects environments where multiple users have write access to directories that are part of the application search path, which is common in shared network environments or improperly configured systems. This makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where security cameras are managed through centralized applications that may run with administrative privileges.
Mitigation strategies must address both the immediate technical flaw and broader system configuration issues. The primary recommendation involves implementing proper dll loading practices by using absolute paths for library loading or configuring the application to use safe search paths through the SetDllDirectory function. System administrators should also perform regular security audits of application directories to identify and remediate unsafe search paths that allow unauthorized write access. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting write permissions to application directories can significantly reduce the attack surface. This vulnerability aligns with cwes 426 and 787 which specifically address insecure library loading mechanisms and out-of-bounds writes in the context of dll loading. From an att&ck perspective, this represents a technique for privilege escalation and persistence through legitimate system tools, potentially mapping to tactics such as privilege escalation via exploitation of vulnerabilities and defense evasion through manipulation of system components. Organizations should also consider implementing process monitoring to detect suspicious dll loading behavior and establish baseline configurations that prevent unsafe search directory access patterns.