CVE-2024-9492
📋 TL;DR
This DLL hijacking vulnerability in the Flash Programming Utility installer allows attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code by placing malicious DLLs in directories searched by the installer. It affects users running the vulnerable installer on Windows systems. The vulnerability stems from an uncontrolled search path issue.
💻 Affected Systems
- Silicon Labs Flash Programming Utility
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with SYSTEM-level privileges, enabling complete control over the affected system and potential lateral movement.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to gain administrative rights and install malware or backdoors on the system.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper application whitelisting and DLL search path restrictions are enforced.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access to plant malicious DLLs and knowledge of installer's search path behavior. No public exploit code available at time of analysis.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Not specified in reference, but vendor has released updated installer
Vendor Advisory: https://community.silabs.com/068Vm00000JUQwd
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Download latest Flash Programming Utility installer from Silicon Labs website. 2. Uninstall previous version. 3. Install updated version. 4. Verify installation completes without errors.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict DLL Search Path
WindowsUse Windows policies to restrict DLL search paths and prevent loading from untrusted directories
reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager" /v "SafeDllSearchMode" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager" /v "CWDIllegalInDllSearch" /t REG_DWORD /d 0xffffffff /f
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Run installer only from trusted, controlled directories with strict permissions
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized DLLs
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if Flash Programming Utility installer version is older than patched release. Review installer behavior for DLL search path vulnerabilities using Process Monitor.Check Version:
Check program version in Control Panel > Programs and Features or run installer with --version flag if supportedVerify Fix Applied:
Install updated version and verify installer no longer searches untrusted directories for DLLs using Process Monitor.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Process creation events for Flash Programming Utility installer
- DLL loading from unusual directories like user temp folders
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local attack vector
SIEM Query:
Process creation where process_name contains "flash" AND parent_process contains "installer" OR DLL loading from suspicious paths