CVE-2024-9495
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a DLL hijacking vulnerability in the CP210x VCP Windows installer that allows attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability affects users running the impacted installer on Windows systems. Attackers can exploit this by placing malicious DLLs in directories searched by the installer.
💻 Affected Systems
- Silicon Labs CP210x VCP Windows Driver Installer
⚠️ 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, allowing complete control over the affected Windows machine and potential lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation leading to administrative access on the compromised system, enabling installation of malware, data theft, or persistence mechanisms.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper application whitelisting, restricted user permissions, and secure directory permissions preventing DLL placement.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access to place malicious DLLs and execute the installer. Social engineering could trick users into running installer from malicious locations.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Updated installer from Silicon Labs
Vendor Advisory: https://community.silabs.com/068Vm00000JUQwd
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Download the updated CP210x VCP Windows installer from Silicon Labs website. 2. Uninstall any existing CP210x drivers. 3. Install the updated version. 4. Verify installation completes without errors.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Secure Installation Directory
allAlways run the installer from a secure, trusted directory where attackers cannot place malicious DLLs
Restrict DLL Search Path
windowsUse application control policies to restrict where DLLs can be loaded from
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict user permissions to prevent writing to directories where installer might search for DLLs
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized DLLs
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if you have CP210x VCP drivers installed and verify installer version against Silicon Labs advisoryCheck Version:
Check Device Manager > Ports (COM & LPT) > Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge properties for driver versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify you have installed the updated version from Silicon Labs and test installation from various directories📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Windows Event Logs showing DLL loading from unexpected locations during installer execution
- Process Monitor logs showing installer searching for DLLs in user-writable directories
Network Indicators:
- No network indicators as this is a local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 OR EventID=4689 with process_name containing 'CP210x' AND file_path contains user-writable directories