CVE-2010-3365 in Mistelix
Summary
by MITRE
Mistelix 0.31 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.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3365 affects the Mistelix media processing application version 0.31, presenting a significant privilege escalation risk through improper library path handling. This flaw resides in how the application manages the LD_LIBRARY_PATH environment variable during execution, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by local attackers to execute malicious code with elevated privileges.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from Mistelix's improper handling of directory names within the LD_LIBRARY_PATH environment variable. Specifically, the application includes a zero-length directory name in the library search path, which effectively creates a null entry that can be exploited by attackers. When the system processes library loading requests, it interprets this null entry as a valid search location, allowing attackers to place malicious shared libraries in the current working directory. This behavior violates standard security practices for library loading and creates an attack surface where local users can manipulate the execution environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it enables local privilege escalation attacks without requiring any special privileges or network access. An attacker merely needs to have the ability to write files in the current working directory where the Mistelix application is executed. The vulnerability can be exploited through a Trojan horse approach where the attacker places a malicious shared library with the same name as a legitimate library that Mistelix attempts to load. When the application executes and processes the LD_LIBRARY_PATH, it will load the attacker-controlled library instead of the legitimate one, potentially executing arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running Mistelix.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-428, which addresses the improper handling of library search paths, and demonstrates characteristics of the privilege escalation category within the MITRE ATT&CK framework. The attack vector specifically relates to privilege escalation techniques where local users leverage environment variable manipulation to gain elevated system access. The flaw represents a classic case of insecure library loading practices that have been documented in numerous other applications and operating systems, making it a well-understood but persistent security issue.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve multiple layers of defense including immediate patching of the affected Mistelix version to properly handle library paths, implementing proper environment variable validation, and ensuring that applications do not include null or empty directory entries in their library search paths. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security measures such as restricting write permissions on directories where applications execute and monitoring for suspicious library loading patterns. The recommended fix involves modifying the application's initialization code to sanitize the LD_LIBRARY_PATH environment variable and remove any zero-length or null entries before proceeding with library loading operations, thereby preventing the exploitation vector while maintaining application functionality.