CVE-2010-3374 in Qt Creator
Summary
by MITRE
Qt Creator before 2.0.1 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 • 09/26/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3374 affects Qt Creator versions prior to 2.0.1 and represents a classic privilege escalation flaw rooted in improper environment variable handling. This vulnerability specifically targets the dynamic library loading mechanism by inserting a zero-length directory name into the LD_LIBRARY_PATH environment variable. The flaw occurs during the application's execution lifecycle when Qt Creator processes library dependencies and constructs the library search path. When a zero-length directory name is included in LD_LIBRARY_PATH, it effectively creates a search path that includes the current working directory as a valid location for library loading. This design oversight creates a dangerous condition where any shared library placed in the current working directory can be loaded by Qt Creator with elevated privileges, particularly when the application is executed with root or administrative permissions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element and CWE-428 Uncontrolled Search Path Element. Attackers can leverage this flaw by placing a malicious shared library file in the current working directory where Qt Creator is executed, typically a directory that the target user has write access to. The malicious library can contain code designed to execute arbitrary commands, establish reverse shells, or perform other malicious activities. The privilege escalation occurs because Qt Creator, when running with elevated permissions, will load the malicious library from the current working directory due to the zero-length path element in LD_LIBRARY_PATH. This behavior violates the principle of least privilege and creates a direct pathway for local attackers to execute code with the privileges of the Qt Creator process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can be leveraged in various attack scenarios within compromised systems. When Qt Creator is used in development environments or by system administrators, the attack surface expands significantly. The vulnerability can be exploited in environments where users frequently execute Qt Creator with elevated privileges, such as when building system packages or performing administrative tasks. Attackers can craft attacks that appear legitimate by placing malicious libraries in directories where Qt Creator is commonly executed, such as project directories or temporary workspaces. This vulnerability also represents a significant concern in multi-user environments where attackers might target other users' development sessions or shared workspaces. The attack requires only local access and knowledge of the victim's working directory, making it particularly dangerous in scenarios where users might be tricked into executing Qt Creator in compromised directories.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3374 focus primarily on updating to Qt Creator version 2.0.1 or later, which addresses the flawed library path handling. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all instances of Qt Creator are updated promptly. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing stricter environment variable controls and monitoring for unusual LD_LIBRARY_PATH modifications. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running Qt Creator with minimal required permissions rather than elevated privileges. Security configurations can be enhanced by disabling the automatic inclusion of current working directories in library search paths, particularly in environments where the current directory might be manipulated by untrusted users. Implementing mandatory access controls and monitoring for suspicious library loading patterns can provide additional defense layers. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in dynamic library loading mechanisms, as demonstrated by ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1546 Privilege Escalation through the use of compromised libraries. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments of development tools and ensure that all applications properly sanitize environment variables to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future software versions.