CVE-2010-3128 in TeamViewer
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in TeamViewer 5.0.8703 and earlier allows local users, and possibly remote attackers, to execute arbitrary code and conduct DLL hijacking attacks via a Trojan horse dwmapi.dll that is located in the same folder as a .tvs or .tvc file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3128 represents a critical untrusted search path weakness in TeamViewer versions 5.0.8703 and earlier, exposing systems to potential code execution attacks through malicious DLL hijacking techniques. This flaw specifically affects the software's handling of dynamic link library loading mechanisms when processing .tvs and .tvc file formats, creating a dangerous attack vector that can be exploited by both local and remote adversaries. The vulnerability stems from TeamViewer's failure to properly validate or restrict the search path used when loading dynamic libraries, allowing attackers to place malicious DLL files in strategic locations within the file system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of the Windows dynamic link library loading process, where TeamViewer's executable fails to specify absolute paths for required DLLs during runtime execution. When a user opens a maliciously crafted .tvs or .tvc file, the software attempts to load the dwmapi.dll library from the same directory containing the vulnerable file, rather than from the system's standard library locations. This behavior creates an opportunity for attackers to place a malicious dwmapi.dll file in the same directory as the targeted TeamViewer file, effectively enabling DLL hijacking attacks that can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the running TeamViewer process. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-426, which addresses the insecure loading of dynamic libraries through untrusted search paths, and represents a classic example of how improper library resolution can lead to privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can be leveraged to establish persistent access to compromised systems while maintaining stealthy operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness to install backdoors, steal credentials, or conduct further reconnaissance without requiring direct system compromise. The remote exploitation capability makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations that may inadvertently open malicious TeamViewer files through email attachments, web downloads, or other attack vectors. This vulnerability can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1546.009 for exploitation of trusted developer utilities, as it leverages legitimate software components to execute malicious payloads. The attack chain typically involves placing a malicious DLL in the same directory as a targeted TeamViewer file, which then gets executed when the vulnerable software processes the file, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to TeamViewer versions that address this vulnerability, implementing strict file access controls, and monitoring for suspicious DLL loading activities through endpoint detection and response solutions. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of unauthorized DLL files, particularly in directories containing TeamViewer files. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper library resolution practices in software development, emphasizing the need for developers to implement secure coding practices that prevent untrusted search path loading and enforce absolute path resolution for dynamic libraries. Regular security assessments should include verification of file permissions and directory access controls to prevent unauthorized DLL placement, while network monitoring should detect suspicious file execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.