CVE-2010-3364 in vips
Summary
by MITRE
The vips-7.22 script in VIPS 7.22.2 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 described in CVE-2010-3364 represents a classic privilege escalation flaw within the VIPS image processing software suite version 7.22.2. This issue stems from how the vips-7.22 script handles library path initialization, specifically when setting the LD_LIBRARY_PATH environment variable. The flaw creates a security risk by incorporating an empty or zero-length directory name into the library search path, which fundamentally undermines the intended security boundaries of the system's dynamic linking mechanism.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a Trojan horse shared library placed in the current working directory where the vulnerable script executes. When the vips-7.22 script runs, it initializes LD_LIBRARY_PATH with a path containing an empty directory component, which means that the system will search for shared libraries in the current working directory before examining other, more secure locations. This behavior violates the principle of least privilege and creates an opportunity for attackers to place malicious shared libraries in the current directory, which will then be loaded and executed with the privileges of the user running the script.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-426, which addresses the execution of untrusted code through insecure library loading practices. The flaw essentially creates a path traversal scenario where the current working directory becomes part of the library search path, bypassing normal security controls. The vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers the use of privilege escalation techniques through insecure library loading, and T1546, which covers the execution of malicious code through modifications to system processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for systems running VIPS 7.22.2, as it allows local users to escalate their privileges to the level of the user executing the vulnerable script. This typically means that unprivileged users can potentially gain administrative access to systems where VIPS is installed and executed. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, as the malicious shared library only needs to be placed in the current working directory, which is accessible to any user who can execute the vulnerable script.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3364 should focus on immediate patching of the VIPS software to version 7.22.3 or later, which contains the fix for this library path handling issue. System administrators should also implement proper file permissions and directory access controls to prevent unauthorized users from placing files in directories where the vulnerable script executes. Additional protective measures include monitoring for suspicious shared library files in system directories, implementing application whitelisting policies, and ensuring that the current working directory is not included in library search paths for critical system applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper environment variable handling and the potential security implications of insecure library loading practices in Unix-like systems.