CVE-2010-3134 in Earth
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Google Earth 5.1.3535.3218 allows local users, and possibly remote attackers, to execute arbitrary code and conduct DLL hijacking attacks via a Trojan horse quserex.dll that is located in the same folder as a .kmz file.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3134 represents a critical untrusted search path weakness in Google Earth version 5.1.3535.3218 that enables both local and remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through malicious DLL hijacking techniques. This flaw exploits the application's failure to properly validate the source of dynamic link libraries, creating a pathway for attackers to inject malicious code into the system. The vulnerability specifically manifests when Google Earth processes .kmz files that contain a crafted quserex.dll file placed in the same directory as the malicious archive, allowing the system to load and execute the attacker-controlled library instead of legitimate system components.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability stems from improper dynamic link library resolution mechanisms within Google Earth's file processing pipeline. When the application encounters a .kmz file, it traverses the directory structure to locate required dependencies, but fails to implement proper validation checks to ensure that loaded libraries originate from trusted sources. The quserex.dll file serves as the Trojan horse component that mimics legitimate system functionality while executing malicious payloads. This behavior aligns with common software exploitation patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of DLL hijacking, specifically categorized under T1073.001 which covers DLL side-loading. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple CWE classifications including CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element and CWE-74 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within affected systems. Local users can exploit this weakness by simply placing a malicious .kmz file in a directory, while remote attackers can potentially deliver the payload through web-based attacks or social engineering campaigns. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate application functionality to bypass security controls, making detection more challenging. The vulnerability affects systems where Google Earth is installed and executed, potentially compromising user data, system integrity, and network security. This type of attack can lead to privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and establishment of persistent backdoors within the compromised environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of Google Earth installations to the latest available version that addresses this specific vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should implement strict file permission controls and directory access restrictions to prevent unauthorized DLL placement in application directories. Network segmentation and application whitelisting policies can help prevent execution of unauthorized DLL files. The implementation of application control solutions such as Microsoft AppLocker or similar technologies can provide additional protection by restricting which DLLs can be loaded by Google Earth. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should include checks for similar untrusted search path vulnerabilities in other applications. System monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious DLL loading activities, particularly when libraries are loaded from non-standard directories. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, emphasizing the need for developers to follow secure software development lifecycle principles to prevent similar issues in future releases.