CVE-2010-3154 in Extension Manager CS5
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Adobe Extension Manager CS5 5.0.298 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 .mxi or .mxp file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3154 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within Adobe Extension Manager CS5 version 5.0.298 that creates significant security risks for both local and remote threat actors. This flaw resides in the software's dynamic link library loading mechanism, where the application fails to properly validate the source of dynamically loaded libraries, creating an environment where malicious actors can exploit the trust relationship between the application and its dependencies. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the Extension Manager processes .mxi or .mxp files, which are extension package files used for installing Adobe extensions. When these files are processed in a directory containing a malicious dwmapi.dll file, the system's default library loading behavior causes the legitimate Adobe application to inadvertently execute malicious code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic DLL hijacking pattern that leverages the Windows library loading order, where the system searches for required DLLs in the same directory as the executing application before checking the system directories. This behavior, while designed for application compatibility, creates a dangerous attack surface when malicious actors place their crafted dwmapi.dll files in the same directory as targeted extension files. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the privilege level of the user running the Extension Manager, potentially allowing local users to escalate privileges or execute arbitrary code with the same permissions as the targeted application. The attack vector extends beyond local exploitation to include potential remote execution scenarios when malicious files are delivered through web-based or networked attack vectors, making this a persistent threat across various deployment models.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3154 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it represents a fundamental flaw in software security architecture that allows for privilege escalation and persistent access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, steal sensitive data, or establish covert communication channels while maintaining system access. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-427 indicates that it stems from an uncontrolled search path, where the application's library loading behavior creates opportunities for attackers to substitute legitimate libraries with malicious ones. This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation through DLL hijacking, persistence mechanisms, and execution through legitimate system processes. The security implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where Adobe Extension Manager is frequently used for deploying extensions, as attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to critical systems.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2010-3154, beginning with immediate patching of affected Adobe Extension Manager versions and implementing strict file access controls on directories containing extension packages. System administrators should employ application whitelisting solutions to prevent unauthorized DLL execution and monitor for suspicious file creation patterns in directories containing .mxi and .mxp files. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper library loading mechanisms that validate the authenticity and source of dynamically loaded components. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact of exploitation, while regular security audits should verify that no malicious DLL files exist in directories containing Adobe extension packages. The remediation process should include comprehensive system scanning to identify and remove any existing malicious files, along with implementing security awareness training to prevent users from inadvertently executing malicious extension files from untrusted sources.