CVE-2010-3141 in PowerPoint
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 allows local users, and possibly remote attackers, to execute arbitrary code and conduct DLL hijacking attacks via a Trojan horse pptimpconv.dll that is located in the same folder as a .odp, .pot, .potm, .potx, .ppa, .pps, .ppsm, .ppsx, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .pwz, .sldm, or .sldx file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3141 represents a critical untrusted search path weakness in Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 that enables both local and remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through DLL hijacking techniques. This flaw specifically affects the software's handling of presentation files with various extensions including .odp, .pot, .potm, .potx, .ppa, .pps, .ppsm, .ppsx, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .pwz, .sldm, and .sldx formats. The vulnerability stems from PowerPoint's improper resolution of dynamic link library dependencies when processing these file types, creating an exploitable condition where malicious code can be loaded and executed without proper authentication or authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of the Windows dynamic link library search order mechanism. When PowerPoint encounters a presentation file, it attempts to load supporting libraries from the same directory as the target file, rather than from the system's designated library locations. This behavior creates a path traversal attack surface where an attacker can place a maliciously crafted dll file named pptimpconv.dll in the same directory as a legitimate presentation file. The system's default search path resolution will prioritize loading this malicious library over the legitimate system libraries, effectively enabling code execution under the context of the user running PowerPoint.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which specifically addresses the issue of applications using untrusted search paths that can be manipulated by attackers to load malicious code. The attack vector can be executed locally through direct file manipulation or remotely through social engineering techniques where users are tricked into opening malicious presentation files. The operational impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential privilege escalation and system compromise, as the malicious code runs with the privileges of the user who opened the presentation file.
The attack methodology follows established patterns from the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly mapping to techniques involving DLL hijacking and execution through trusted processes. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to bypass traditional security controls by operating within the legitimate application context, making detection more difficult. The exploitation process typically involves creating a malicious dll file that mimics the legitimate library structure, placing it in the target directory, and then persuading a victim to open the presentation file. The attack can be particularly insidious when combined with other techniques such as phishing campaigns or drive-by downloads that deliver the malicious presentation files to unsuspecting users.
Mitigation strategies should focus on addressing the root cause through proper library loading practices and system hardening measures. Organizations should implement application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of unauthorized DLL files, ensure proper file permissions on presentation directories, and maintain updated system libraries to prevent exploitation. Microsoft addressed this vulnerability through security updates that modified PowerPoint's library resolution behavior and implemented additional security controls to prevent untrusted search path exploitation. System administrators should also consider network-level controls such as firewall rules that restrict access to potentially malicious file types and implement monitoring solutions that detect unusual DLL loading patterns. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper library management in preventing such exploitable conditions that can lead to full system compromise.