Fortinet Discovers Panda Security VPN DLL Pre-Loading Vulnerability

Summary

Fortinet's FortiGuard Labs has discovered a DLL preloading vulnerability in Panda Security VPN for Windows.


Panda Security VPN is a Virtual Private Network application that lets users access all Internet content safely and privately, TV shows, social networks, sports and news channels, video/audio streaming, dating sites, video games from anywhere in the world. It protects user data and identity in home, at work and in public environments. It encrypts user data and communications.


Panda Security VPN for Windows is susceptible to a DLL preloading vulnerability. The issue occurs when the application looks to load a DLL for execution and an attacker provides a malicious DLL to use instead. The application generally follows a specific search path to locate the DLL. The vulnerability can be exploited by a simple file write (or potentially an over-write) which results in a foreign DLL running under the context of the application.


Solutions

Users should apply the solution provided by Panda Security.

Timeline

Fortinet reported the vulnerability to Panda Security on May 12, 2019. 

Panda Security confirmed the vulnerability on May 29, 2019. 

Panda Security released patch for it on August 14, 2019.

Acknowledgement

This vulnerability was discovered by Kushal Arvind Shah of Fortinet's FortiGuard Labs.

IPS Subscription

Fortinet customers who subscribe to Fortinet's intrusion prevention (IPS) service should be protected against this vulnerability with the appropriate configuration parameters in place. Fortinet's IPS service is one component of FortiGuard Subscription Services, which also offer comprehensive solutions such as antivirus, Web content filtering and antispam capabilities. These services enable protection against threats on both application and network layers. FortiGuard Services are continuously updated by FortiGuard Labs, which enables Fortinet to deliver a combination of multi-layered security intelligence and true zero-day protection from new and emerging threats. These updates are delivered to all FortiGate, FortiMail and FortiClient products. Fortinet strictly follows responsible disclosure guidelines to ensure optimum protection during a threat's lifecycle.