CVE-2010-3131 in SeaMonkey
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Mozilla Firefox before 3.5.12 and 3.6.x before 3.6.9, Thunderbird before 3.0.7 and 3.1.x before 3.1.3, and SeaMonkey before 2.0.7 on Windows XP 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 .htm, .html, .jtx, .mfp, or .eml file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2021
This vulnerability represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting multiple Mozilla products on Windows operating systems. The flaw exists in the way these applications handle dynamic link library loading processes, specifically when processing web content files such as html, htm, jtx, mfp, and eml documents. When a user opens such a file, the application searches for required system libraries in the same directory as the document, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to place a specially crafted dll file in the same folder. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited both locally and potentially remotely, making it a significant threat vector for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper library loading practices within the affected Mozilla applications. When processing certain document types, these applications use a search path that includes the current working directory without proper validation of library sources. This behavior creates a classic dll hijacking scenario where a malicious dwmapi.dll file can be loaded instead of the legitimate system library. The vulnerability is specifically present in versions of Firefox before 3.5.12 and 3.6.x before 3.6.9, Thunderbird before 3.0.7 and 3.1.x before 3.1.3, and SeaMonkey before 2.0.7 on windows xp systems. This search path behavior aligns with common weakness enumeration CWE-426, which describes untrusted search path vulnerabilities that allow attackers to execute malicious code through manipulation of the library loading process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential privilege escalation scenarios. Local attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, which typically runs with elevated permissions when processing web content. Remote attackers may also exploit this vulnerability if they can convince users to open maliciously crafted files, particularly in scenarios involving email attachments or web browsing. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond opening a document, and the malicious dll can be placed in the same directory as legitimate web content files. This vulnerability can be mapped to attack techniques in the attack tree framework, specifically targeting privilege escalation and code execution through system library manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected applications to versions that properly implement secure library loading practices. System administrators should ensure that all affected Mozilla products are updated to the latest versions that address this search path issue. Additionally, implementing proper file permission controls and restricting write access to directories containing web content can help reduce the attack surface. Network administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized dll files, while security teams should monitor for suspicious file creation patterns in directories containing web content. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in library loading mechanisms and highlights the need for proper input validation and secure path resolution in application development. Organizations should also implement regular security assessments to identify similar untrusted search path vulnerabilities in their software environments.