CVE-2010-3125 in TeamMate Audit Management Software Suite
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in TeamMate Audit Management Software Suite 8.0 patch 2 allows local users, and possibly remote attackers, to execute arbitrary code and conduct DLL hijacking attacks via a Trojan horse mfc71enu.dll that is located in the same folder as a .tmx file.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3125 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within TeamMate Audit Management Software Suite version 8.0 patch 2. This flaw stems from the software's improper handling of dynamic link library (dll) loading mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious code execution through directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes .tmx files, which are typically used for audit data exchange within the software ecosystem. When a user opens or interacts with a maliciously crafted .tmx file, the application's search path logic inadvertently loads a specially crafted mfc71enu.dll file from the same directory as the .tmx file rather than from the legitimate system locations where the expected library should reside. This behavior directly aligns with CWE-426, which defines untrusted search path vulnerabilities as weaknesses where applications search for libraries or executables in untrusted directories, potentially allowing attackers to inject malicious code. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond local privilege escalation to potentially enable remote code execution, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where users might unknowingly open malicious files from shared or untrusted locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the principle of DLL hijacking, where attackers place malicious libraries in directories that are searched before legitimate system locations. In this case, the TeamMate software suite is configured to search for required dll files in the same directory as the .tmx file being processed, creating an attack surface where an attacker can place a malicious mfc71enu.dll file that will be loaded instead of the legitimate system library. This technique leverages the Windows dynamic loading mechanism and falls under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059 for executing malicious code through legitimate system processes. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be accomplished through social engineering or by compromising systems where users regularly interact with .tmx files, such as in audit environments where documents are frequently shared between users. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be initiated remotely through email attachments, shared network drives, or web downloads, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user who opens the malicious file.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3125 extends beyond immediate code execution to encompass broader security implications for organizations using TeamMate Audit Management Software Suite. Organizations that rely on audit management systems for sensitive data handling and compliance reporting face significant risk of data compromise, system infiltration, and potential regulatory violations. The vulnerability's persistence in patch level 2 suggests that the software vendor may have failed to adequately address the search path issue in their security updates, leaving organizations exposed even after applying what should have been a security fix. This creates a false sense of security among users who believe their systems are protected, while attackers can continue to exploit the underlying flaw. The vulnerability's potential for remote exploitation means that organizations cannot rely solely on network segmentation or user education as complete defenses, as the attack can be initiated through legitimate business processes such as document sharing, audit reporting, or collaboration workflows. Additionally, the attack's stealth nature makes detection difficult, as malicious code execution occurs through legitimate system processes that may not raise immediate alerts in security monitoring systems.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2010-3125 and similar search path vulnerabilities. Immediate remediation efforts should focus on applying vendor patches if available, though the vulnerability's nature suggests that such patches may not adequately address the root cause. System administrators should implement strict file access controls and directory permissions to prevent unauthorized DLL placement in directories containing .tmx files or other vulnerable file types. The implementation of application whitelisting solutions can prevent execution of unauthorized dll files, while enhanced monitoring of dll loading activities can help detect anomalous behavior. Network-based solutions such as intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious file transfers or access patterns that might indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Security awareness training should emphasize the importance of verifying file sources and avoiding opening suspicious files from untrusted sources. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege, restricting user permissions to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation. The vulnerability's classification as a privilege escalation issue means that even if attackers cannot directly access sensitive systems, they may be able to gain elevated privileges through this attack vector, making comprehensive mitigation strategies essential for protecting organizational assets. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should specifically target search path issues to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization's software ecosystem.