CVE-2010-3132 in Dreamweaver
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Adobe Dreamweaver CS5 11.0 build 4916, build 4909, and probably other versions, allows local users, and possibly remote attackers, to execute arbitrary code and conduct DLL hijacking attacks via a Trojan horse (1) mfc90loc.dll or (2) dwmapi.dll that is located in the same folder as a CSS, PHP, ASP, or other file that automatically launches Dreamweaver.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2019
Adobe Dreamweaver CS5 contains an untrusted search path vulnerability that enables local and potentially remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through DLL hijacking techniques. This vulnerability specifically affects build versions 4916 and 4909, with the issue likely extending to other versions within the CS5 release. The flaw occurs when Dreamweaver automatically launches upon opening certain file types including CSS, PHP, ASP, and others that are located in the same directory as malicious DLL files. The vulnerable DLLs targeted in this attack include mfc90loc.dll and dwmapi.dll which are positioned in the same folder as the web files that trigger Dreamweaver's execution.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability stems from Dreamweaver's improper handling of dynamic link library loading processes. When the application encounters a web file that requires Dreamweaver to open automatically, it searches for required DLL dependencies in the local directory containing the file rather than following a secure search order that prioritizes system directories first. This insecure search path behavior allows attackers to place malicious DLL files in the same directory as legitimate web files, causing Dreamweaver to load and execute the attacker-controlled code instead of the legitimate system DLLs. This represents a classic DLL hijacking attack vector that aligns with CWE-427 and CWE-428 vulnerability classifications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a persistent means of code execution within the context of the Dreamweaver application. Local attackers can leverage this weakness by simply placing malicious DLL files in directories containing web development files, while remote attackers could potentially exploit this through web-based attacks if they can influence the target environment. The attack requires minimal privileges and can be executed without user interaction beyond the normal file opening process, making it particularly dangerous for developers who frequently work with web files that automatically trigger Dreamweaver. This vulnerability directly relates to the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through scripting and T1546.009 for DLL side-loading.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include applying the latest security patches provided by Adobe which address the untrusted search path issue through proper DLL loading mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict file access controls and directory permissions to limit where malicious DLL files can be placed. System administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict which DLLs can be loaded by Dreamweaver and other applications. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that no malicious DLL files exist in directories containing web development files, and network segmentation can help prevent remote exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper DLL loading procedures that align with security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and Microsoft's Secure Application Lifecycle guidelines.