CVE-2010-3153 in InDesign CS4
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Adobe InDesign CS4 6.0, InDesign CS5 7.0.2 and earlier, Adobe InDesign Server CS5 7.0.2 and earlier, and Adobe InCopy CS5 7.0.2 and earlier allows local users, and possibly remote attackers, to execute arbitrary code and conduct DLL hijacking attacks via a Trojan horse ibfs32.dll that is located in the same folder as an .indl, .indp, .indt, or .inx file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3153 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting multiple Adobe InDesign products including CS4, CS5, InDesign Server CS5, and InCopy CS5 versions. This flaw resides in the software's dynamic link library (DLL) loading mechanism, specifically within the handling of the ibfs32.dll component that is utilized by the application's file system operations. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate the source of dynamically loaded libraries, creating an exploitable condition where malicious code can be executed through carefully crafted file placement. The affected applications include InDesign CS4 version 6.0, InDesign CS5 versions up to 7.0.2, InDesign Server CS5 versions up to 7.0.2, and InCopy CS5 versions up to 7.0.2, all of which are susceptible to this particular attack vector.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a Trojan horse DLL hijacking technique where an attacker places a malicious ibfs32.dll file in the same directory as a legitimate InDesign document file such as .indl, .indp, .indt, or .inx formats. When the vulnerable application attempts to process these documents, it searches for required libraries in the local directory first, before checking system paths, thereby loading the malicious DLL instead of the legitimate one. This behavior aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which specifically addresses the issue of applications searching in untrusted directories for dynamic libraries. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered by simply opening a malicious document, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential privilege escalation and system compromise scenarios. Local attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems, while remote attackers may exploit it through social engineering tactics or by delivering malicious documents via email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites. The attack surface is broad since InDesign is commonly used in creative workflows and document sharing environments where users frequently open files from untrusted sources. The vulnerability's potential for remote exploitation makes it particularly concerning in enterprise environments where users may unknowingly open malicious files, leading to unauthorized code execution and possible data breaches. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1195.001 for Supply Chain Compromise and T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, demonstrating how the vulnerability can be used to establish persistent access and execute malicious payloads.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including restricting user privileges when opening InDesign documents, implementing application whitelisting policies, and ensuring that all Adobe products are updated to versions that address this vulnerability. System administrators should monitor for suspicious file activities and implement network-based protections to prevent the delivery of malicious documents. The recommended remediation involves applying Adobe's security patches and updates immediately, as well as educating users about the risks of opening untrusted documents. Additionally, implementing security controls such as Windows Defender Application Control or similar application whitelisting solutions can prevent execution of unauthorized DLLs. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper DLL loading practices and the need for applications to validate library sources before execution, reinforcing security principles outlined in the CWE taxonomy and addressing fundamental weaknesses in software design that enable such exploitation scenarios.