#VU40450 Input validation error in InstallShield - CVE-2016-2542

Vulnerability identifier: #VU40450

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 5.9 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2016-2542

CWE-ID: CWE-20

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
InstallShield
Universal components / Libraries / Software for developers

Vendor: Macrovision Corporation

Description

The vulnerability allows a local authenticated user to execute arbitrary code.

Untrusted search path vulnerability in Flexera InstallShield through 2015 SP1 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in the current working directory of a setup-launcher executable file. CWE-426: Untrusted Search Path - http://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/426.html

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

InstallShield: 2015

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External links
https://www.securityfocus.com/bid/84213
https://www.securitytracker.com/id/1035097
https://flexeracommunity.force.com/customer/articles/INFO/Best-Practices-to-Avoid-Windows-Setup-Launcher-Executable-Issues
https://www.tenable.com/security/tns-2019-08
https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ics/advisories/icsa-20-287-03

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.