CVE-2005-2938 in itunes
Summary
by MITRE
unquoted windows search path vulnerability in ituneshelper.exe in itunes 4.7.1.30 and itunes 5 for windows might allow local users to gain privileges via a malicious c:\program.exe file.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2938 represents a critical unquoted search path issue affecting iTunes 4.7.1.30 and 5.0 for Windows systems. This flaw resides within the ituneshelper.exe component of Apple's popular media management software, creating a privilege escalation vector that could be exploited by local attackers. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of system paths during executable loading processes, specifically when iTunes attempts to locate and execute supporting utilities. According to CWE-428, this corresponds to an unquoted search path vulnerability where the system searches for executables in a manner that does not properly validate or sanitize the path specification. The security implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation as they align with ATT&CK technique T1068, which encompasses privilege escalation through the exploitation of system configuration weaknesses.
The technical flaw manifests when ituneshelper.exe attempts to execute programs located in the C:\Program Files\ directory without properly quoting the search path. This design oversight allows attackers to place malicious executables in directories that are searched before the legitimate iTunes components, effectively enabling a form of DLL hijacking or executable substitution. When iTunes runs with elevated privileges, the malicious program located at C:\program.exe would execute with the same elevated privileges as the legitimate iTunes helper process. This creates a dangerous scenario where local users could potentially gain administrative access to the system through a carefully crafted malicious executable placed in the root program directory. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the trust relationship between iTunes and the Windows file system, exploiting the implicit assumption that system paths are properly quoted and validated.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly beyond simple privilege escalation, creating potential for broader system compromise and persistent access. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify system configurations, or exfiltrate sensitive data from the compromised system. The vulnerability affects Windows systems running iTunes 4.7.1.30 and 5.0, representing a substantial portion of users during that time period. The attack vector requires local system access but does not need network connectivity, making it particularly stealthy and difficult to detect through network monitoring alone. This aligns with ATT&CK framework's T1059, which covers the execution of malicious code through legitimate system processes, and T1078, which addresses legitimate credentials and system access. The vulnerability's persistence mechanism means that even after the initial compromise, the malicious executable could maintain access through the Windows startup process or scheduled tasks that iTunes might utilize.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2938 require both immediate patching and long-term system hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to a patched version of iTunes that properly quotes search paths during executable loading. System administrators should also implement proper access controls and monitor for unauthorized executable installations in system directories. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper path validation in system components, particularly those running with elevated privileges. Security best practices recommend implementing least privilege principles, where applications should not run with unnecessary administrative rights, and maintaining regular software updates to address known vulnerabilities. Additionally, endpoint protection solutions should be configured to monitor for suspicious executable behavior and unauthorized modifications to system directories. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and proper path handling in system security, particularly in applications that interact with the Windows file system and execute components with elevated privileges.