CVE-2024-9494
📋 TL;DR
This DLL hijacking vulnerability in the CP210 VCP Win 2k 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 CP210x USB to UART Bridge VCP Driver
⚠️ 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 privileges, enabling complete control over the affected system and potential lateral movement.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to gain administrative rights on the compromised system.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper application whitelisting and DLL search path restrictions are enforced.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and ability to place malicious DLLs in searchable directories. Social engineering could trick users into running malicious installers.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Updated installer version referenced in vendor advisory
Vendor Advisory: https://community.silabs.com/068Vm00000JUQwd
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Download the updated CP210x VCP driver installer from Silicon Labs official website. 2. Uninstall any existing vulnerable versions. 3. Install the updated version. 4. Verify installation using the verification steps below.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict DLL Search Path
windowsUse Windows policies to restrict DLL search paths and prevent loading from untrusted directories
Set-ItemProperty -Path 'HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager' -Name 'SafeDllSearchMode' -Value 1
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized installers
- Restrict user permissions to prevent placing files in system directories and use least privilege principles
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if you have CP210x VCP driver installed and verify installer version against vendor advisoryCheck Version:
Check Device Manager > Ports (COM & LPT) > Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge properties > Driver tabVerify Fix Applied:
Verify you have installed the updated version from Silicon Labs official source and test DLL loading behavior📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Windows Event Logs showing DLL loading from unexpected paths during installer execution
- Process Monitor logs showing DLL search order violations
Network Indicators:
- No network indicators - this is a local privilege escalation vulnerability
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND (ProcessName LIKE '%cp210%' OR CommandLine LIKE '%cp210%') AND ParentProcessName LIKE '%installer%'