CVE-2010-3159 in Explzh
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Explzh 5.67 and earlier allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse executable file in the current working directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3159 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting Explzh version 5.67 and earlier. This flaw resides in the application's handling of executable file paths during the loading process, creating a privilege escalation vector that can be exploited by local attackers. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize the search path used when locating required executable components, allowing malicious actors to place crafted Trojan horse executables in the current working directory.
From a technical perspective, the flaw manifests when Explzh attempts to load dependent executables or libraries without implementing proper path validation mechanisms. The application follows a predictable search order that includes the current working directory, which means that if a malicious file named identically to a legitimate dependency exists in the directory from which Explzh is executed, the system will load and execute the malicious file instead of the intended legitimate component. This behavior directly aligns with CWE-426, which describes the weakness of allowing untrusted search paths that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the privilege level of the user running the application, and in many cases, the application may run with elevated privileges, amplifying the impact of the exploit.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3159 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data theft. When local users can manipulate the search path to execute malicious code, they gain the ability to perform actions that would normally be restricted to higher privilege levels. This vulnerability can be exploited in various scenarios including social engineering attacks where users unknowingly execute malicious files, or through compromised user accounts that can be leveraged to gain deeper system access. The attack surface is particularly broad because many applications follow similar patterns of search path handling, making this a widespread class of vulnerability that affects numerous software packages across different platforms.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically requires a local attacker with access to the system and the ability to place malicious files in directories where the vulnerable application executes. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers "Local Port Forwarding" and related privilege escalation methods. Security professionals should consider implementing several mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The most effective approach involves patching the application to version 5.68 or later where the search path handling has been corrected. Additionally, system administrators should enforce secure coding practices that include absolute path specifications for executable components, implement proper file permission controls, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. Network segmentation and user access controls can also help limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities by restricting the ability of local attackers to manipulate the system environment. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting solutions that prevent unauthorized executables from running, particularly in environments where the application might be run with elevated privileges.