CVE-2017-5233 : Security Advisory and Response

Rapid7 AppSpider Pro versions prior to 6.14.053 are vulnerable to DLL preloading, potentially allowing the loading of malicious DLL files during installation.

Understanding CVE-2017-5233

Versions of Rapid7 AppSpider Pro installers before 6.14.053 have a vulnerability related to DLL preloading, which could lead to the loading of a malicious DLL file from the current working directory.

What is CVE-2017-5233?

This CVE identifies a security flaw in Rapid7 AppSpider Pro installers that could be exploited to load a malicious DLL during the installation process.

The Impact of CVE-2017-5233

The vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code by placing a malicious DLL in the installer's working directory, potentially compromising the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-5233

Rapid7 AppSpider Pro's vulnerability to DLL preloading can be further understood through the following technical details:

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in AppSpider Pro installers allows for the loading of DLL files from the current working directory, posing a risk of executing malicious code.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: AppSpider Pro
Vendor: Rapid7
Vulnerable Versions: All versions prior to 6.14.053

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability arises from the installer's behavior of loading DLL files from the current working directory, potentially allowing an attacker to introduce a malicious DLL for execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2017-5233 and enhance system security, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Rapid7 AppSpider Pro to version 6.14.053 or later to mitigate the DLL preloading vulnerability.
Avoid running the installer from untrusted directories to minimize the risk of DLL hijacking.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to prevent DLL preloading vulnerabilities in software installations.
Regularly monitor and audit DLL loading behavior in applications to detect and prevent potential security risks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Rapid7 for AppSpider Pro to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.