DLL Search Order Hijacking Mitigation

Disallow loading of remote DLLs.^[1] This is included by default in Windows Server 2012+ and is available by patch for XP+ and Server 2003+.^[2] Path Algorithm

Enable Safe DLL Search Mode to force search for system DLLs in directories with greater restrictions (e.g. %SYSTEMROOT%)to be used before local directory DLLs (e.g. a user's home directory). The Safe DLL Search Mode can be enabled via Group Policy at Computer Configuration > [Policies] > Administrative Templates > MSS (Legacy): MSS: (SafeDllSearchMode) Enable Safe DLL search mode. The associated Windows Registry key for this is located at HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\SafeDLLSearchMode^[2]

Use auditing tools capable of detecting DLL search order hijacking opportunities on systems within an enterprise and correct them. Toolkits like the PowerSploit framework contain PowerUp modules that can be used to explore systems for DLL hijacking weaknesses.^[3]

Identify and block potentially malicious software that may be executed through search order hijacking by using whitelisting^[4] tools like AppLocker^[5],[6] that are capable of auditing and/or blocking unknown DLLs.

References

1. Microsoft. (2010, August 12). More information about the DLL Preloading remote attack vector. Retrieved December 5, 2014.
2. Microsoft. (n.d.). Dynamic-Link Library Search Order. Retrieved November 30, 2014.
3. PowerSploit. (n.d.). Retrieved December 4, 2014.
4. Beechey, J. (2010, December). Application Whitelisting: Panacea or Propaganda?. Retrieved November 18, 2014.
5. Tomonaga, S. (2016, January 26). Windows Commands Abused by Attackers. Retrieved February 2, 2016.
6. NSA Information Assurance Directorate. (2014, August). Application Whitelisting Using Microsoft AppLocker. Retrieved March 31, 2016.

1. Overview

1.1 References

1.2 Identified Requirements

1.3 Related Regulations

2. Identified Requirements

3. Related Regulations

Linked Issues

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