CVE-2010-3393 in Magics++
Summary
by MITRE
magics-config in Magics++ 2.10.0 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 • 01/05/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-3393 affects Magics++ version 2.10.0, a scientific visualization software package that processes geospatial data. This flaw resides in the magics-config utility which is responsible for configuring the library paths required by the software. The issue manifests when the utility incorrectly handles directory names during library path construction, specifically inserting a zero-length directory name into the LD_LIBRARY_PATH environment variable. This seemingly minor configuration error creates a significant security vector that can be exploited by local attackers to escalate privileges.
The technical flaw stems from improper handling of empty or null directory entries within the library path configuration mechanism. When a zero-length directory name is included in LD_LIBRARY_PATH, it effectively represents the current working directory, creating an opportunity for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability leverages the standard Unix/Linux library loading behavior where the system searches through directories in LD_LIBRARY_PATH in order, and when a zero-length entry is present, it allows the system to search the current directory first. This creates a race condition and exploitation opportunity where an attacker can place a malicious shared library in the current working directory, which will then be loaded before the legitimate system libraries, potentially executing arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability represents a local privilege escalation issue that can be exploited by any user with access to the system who can manipulate the current working directory. The attack requires the victim to execute a command that invokes the magics-config utility or any application that relies on its configuration, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users have legitimate access to system resources. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which specifically addresses situations where applications use untrusted search paths that can be manipulated by attackers. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Local Privilege Escalation' through exploitation of system configuration vulnerabilities.
The exploitation process involves placing a malicious shared library in the current working directory where the vulnerable application is executed, then triggering the application to load this library through the manipulated LD_LIBRARY_PATH. This type of attack is particularly insidious because it does not require network access or complex attack chains, and can be executed with minimal privileges. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper environment variable handling and the critical need for input validation in system utilities. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability as it represents a straightforward privilege escalation vector that can be exploited by any local user with basic system access. The fix typically involves correcting the magics-config utility to properly handle empty directory entries in library paths and ensure that zero-length directory names are either filtered out or properly escaped during configuration generation.