CVE-2010-3155 in Extendedscript Toolkit Cs5
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Adobe ExtendScript Toolkit (ESTK) CS5 3.5.0.52 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 .jsx file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2018
The vulnerability CVE-2010-3155 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within Adobe ExtendScript Toolkit CS5 version 3.5.0.52 that exposes systems to arbitrary code execution and DLL hijacking attacks. This flaw specifically affects the way the application resolves dynamic link library dependencies when processing JavaScript (.jsx) files, creating a dangerous attack vector that can be exploited by both local and remote adversaries. The vulnerability stems from the application's insecure handling of library loading mechanisms, where it searches for required DLLs in the same directory as the target script file before checking system directories, allowing attackers to place malicious libraries in strategic locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the principle of DLL hijacking, where an attacker places a malicious dwmapi.dll file in the same folder as a legitimate .jsx script file. When the ESTK application processes the script, it loads the malicious DLL instead of the legitimate system library, enabling the attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user. This type of attack is particularly dangerous because it leverages the trust relationship between applications and their associated libraries, bypassing normal security controls that would otherwise prevent unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-427 as an Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which specifically addresses insecure library loading practices that can lead to privilege escalation and code injection attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3155 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and establish persistent access to compromised systems. Local attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems, while remote attackers can potentially exploit it through malicious script files delivered via email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites. The attack surface is particularly broad given that ESTK is commonly used by developers and designers who may unknowingly execute malicious scripts, making the vulnerability especially dangerous in enterprise environments where such tools are frequently deployed. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Scripting and T1574.002 for DLL Side-Loading, demonstrating how the flaw can be weaponized through established attack frameworks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of Adobe ExtendScript Toolkit to version 3.5.1 or later, which addresses the insecure search path behavior by implementing proper DLL loading mechanisms. Organizations should also implement strict file access controls and disable unnecessary script execution capabilities in development environments. Security administrators should monitor for suspicious .jsx files and their associated library dependencies, while also implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized DLLs. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in library loading mechanisms, particularly the need for explicit path specification and the use of secure library resolution techniques. System administrators should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring to detect anomalous DLL loading patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability can be used in conjunction with other attack vectors to create more sophisticated compromise scenarios.