DLL Hijacking
DLL hijacking is a security vulnerability in computer systems. It happens when an attacker tricks a program into loading a malicious Dynamic Link Library (DLL) file instead of a legitimate one, in order to gain unauthorized access or perform malicious activities on the victim’s computer.
DLL files are commonly used by programs to load specific functions and features that are not built into the main program, such as graphic rendering, input/output operations, or networking. By replacing a legitimate DLL file with a malicious one, the attacker can execute arbitrary code, steal sensitive data, or modify the behavior of the program without the user’s knowledge or consent.
To perform DLL hijacking, an attacker needs to find a vulnerable program that loads DLL files from a specific location, such as the current working directory or a shared folder. The attacker can then create a fake DLL file with the same name as the legitimate one and place it in that location. When the program looks for the DLL file to load, it will find the fake one first and execute the malicious code inside.
To prevent DLL hijacking, it is important for programs to load DLL files from a trusted and secure location, such as the system directory or the program’s own directory. Program developers can also use techniques such as DLL signing, version checking, and randomization to make the loading of DLL files more secure and resistant to attacks.
In summary, DLL hijacking is a serious security threat that can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of a computer system. By understanding how it works and taking preventive measures, users and developers can minimize the risk and protect their systems from malicious attacks.