CVE-2010-3127 in PhotoShop
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Adobe PhotoShop CS2 through CS5 allows local users, and possibly remote attackers, to execute arbitrary code and conduct DLL hijacking attacks via a Trojan horse dwmapi.dll or Wintab32.dll that is located in the same folder as a PSD or other file that is processed by PhotoShop. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2021
Adobe Photoshop CS2 through CS5 contains an untrusted search path vulnerability that enables local users and potentially remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through DLL hijacking attacks. This vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of dynamic link library loading processes when processing various file formats including PSD files. The flaw occurs because Photoshop does not properly validate the source of dynamically loaded libraries, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to place specially crafted DLL files in the same directory as target files. When Photoshop processes a PSD or other supported file format, it searches for required libraries in the current directory before checking system directories, allowing attackers to place malicious dwmapi.dll or Wintab32.dll files in the same folder as the target file. This behavior aligns with CWE-426 Untrusted Search Path vulnerabilities where applications search for libraries in insecure locations. The vulnerability can be exploited locally by placing malicious DLLs in directories where users open Photoshop files, but also potentially remotely if attackers can influence file placement on systems where Photoshop is used. This weakness is particularly dangerous because it leverages the normal file processing behavior of Photoshop without requiring special privileges beyond those needed to place files in the target directory. The attack vector involves creating a malicious DLL with the same name as a legitimate system library that Photoshop expects to load, causing the system to execute attacker-controlled code when Photoshop processes the target file. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1574 DLL Side-Loading, where adversaries abuse legitimate system processes to execute malicious code. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow full system compromise, as attackers can leverage the elevated privileges of the Photoshop process to perform further malicious activities. Organizations using affected versions of Photoshop should consider immediate mitigation strategies including updating to patched versions, implementing application whitelisting policies, and monitoring for suspicious DLL loading behavior. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure library loading practices and proper privilege separation in application design. This weakness highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of file processing applications and the implementation of secure coding practices that prevent untrusted code from being loaded from insecure search paths.
The vulnerability represents a classic case of insecure library loading where the application's search order prioritizes local directories over system directories without proper validation. This behavior creates a race condition where legitimate system libraries can be replaced by malicious counterparts, enabling privilege escalation and code execution attacks. The specific DLL names dwmapi.dll and Wintab32.dll are targeted because these are legitimate Windows system libraries that Photoshop may attempt to load during normal operation. Attackers exploit this by placing malicious versions of these libraries in the same directory as the PSD file, causing Photoshop to load and execute the attacker-controlled code instead of the legitimate system library. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through normal file opening operations, making it difficult to detect and prevent. The attack requires minimal privileges and can be executed through social engineering or by compromising systems where users open untrusted files. The vulnerability's potential for remote exploitation depends on whether attackers can influence file placement on target systems, which may be possible in networked environments or when users download files from untrusted sources. Security researchers have classified this as a significant risk due to its potential for privilege escalation and the ease with which it can be exploited. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that Photoshop is widely used in professional environments where users may open files from untrusted sources. This creates a high-risk scenario where a single compromised file can lead to complete system compromise. Mitigation strategies should focus on both immediate patching and long-term application security improvements, including secure coding practices that prevent insecure library loading and proper privilege management. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect suspicious DLL loading patterns and alert on potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of defense in depth strategies and the need for comprehensive security awareness training to prevent users from opening potentially malicious files.