CVE-2010-3355 in Ember
Summary
by MITRE
Ember 0.5.7 places a zero-length directory name in the LD_LIBRARY_PATH, which allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse shared library in the current working directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/27/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3355 affects the Ember application version 0.5.7 and represents a privilege escalation issue stemming from improper handling of the LD_LIBRARY_PATH environment variable. This flaw allows local attackers to execute malicious code with elevated privileges by exploiting how the application processes dynamic library loading paths. The vulnerability specifically occurs when Ember places a zero-length directory name within the LD_LIBRARY_PATH, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged through carefully crafted shared library files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the Unix-like operating system's dynamic linker behavior, where library paths are searched in order from left to right. When a zero-length directory name is present in LD_LIBRARY_PATH, it effectively represents the current working directory, which can be manipulated by an attacker. This creates a scenario where the system will first search the current directory for required shared libraries before checking standard system paths, enabling a malicious shared library placed in the working directory to be loaded instead of the legitimate one. The vulnerability operates under CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which specifically addresses the risk of attackers manipulating library search paths to load malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and persistent access. Local users who can execute the Ember application can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted user, potentially leading to complete system compromise if the user has elevated permissions. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to execute and can be performed without network access, making it a significant concern for system administrators and security professionals. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1068 Privilege Escalation and T1546 Persistence, specifically targeting the dynamic link library injection technique.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3355 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security improvements. The most effective solution involves updating to a patched version of Ember that properly handles LD_LIBRARY_PATH environment variable construction, eliminating the zero-length directory name insertion. System administrators should also implement restrictive file permissions on directories where Ember applications execute, particularly ensuring that the current working directory has appropriate access controls to prevent unauthorized library placement. Additional protective measures include implementing secure coding practices that avoid manipulating environment variables in ways that could introduce search path vulnerabilities, utilizing tools like setuid wrappers with proper path validation, and monitoring for suspicious library loading patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper environment variable handling in security-sensitive applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of application initialization processes.