CVE-2010-3403 in eXtensible Diagnostic Monitor
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Qualcomm eXtensible Diagnostic Monitor (QXDM) 03.09.19 allows local users, and possibly remote attackers, to execute arbitrary code and conduct DLL hijacking attacks via a Trojan horse mfc71enu.dll that is located in the same folder as a .isf file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3403 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within Qualcomm eXtensible Diagnostic Monitor QXDM version 03.09.19. This flaw resides in the software's dynamic link library loading mechanism, where the application fails to properly validate the source and integrity of dynamically loaded libraries. The vulnerability specifically manifests when QXDM processes .isf files, which are diagnostic log files commonly used in mobile device debugging and analysis. When a user opens an .isf file, the application searches for required DLL dependencies in the same directory as the file, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a Trojan horse DLL named mfc71enu.dll that is placed in the same directory as a malicious .isf file. This particular DLL name is chosen because it corresponds to a legitimate Microsoft Foundation Class library that QXDM might legitimately expect to find in its search path. Attackers can craft a malicious .isf file and place the forged mfc71enu.dll in the same directory, causing QXDM to load the malicious library instead of the legitimate one. This creates a classic DLL hijacking scenario where the application's trust in its local search path is exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running QXDM. The vulnerability affects both local users who might inadvertently open malicious files and potentially remote attackers who can deliver malicious .isf files through various attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain persistent access to systems where QXDM is installed. Since QXDM is commonly used by developers, engineers, and technicians working with mobile device diagnostics, the attack surface includes various technical environments where these tools are deployed. The vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where multiple users might interact with diagnostic files from untrusted sources, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges and access sensitive system information. The attack can be executed without requiring special privileges, making it particularly concerning for environments where users might not have administrative rights but still need to use diagnostic tools.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate defensive measures and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should ensure that QXDM installations are kept up to date with the latest security patches from Qualcomm, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases. System administrators should implement strict file access controls and audit mechanisms to monitor when diagnostic files are opened in potentially compromised directories. The principle of least privilege should be enforced, limiting the execution of QXDM to only trusted users and environments. Additionally, security awareness training should be implemented to educate users about the risks of opening diagnostic files from untrusted sources. From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element and CWE-740 Certainty of Resource Access, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1546 DLL Side-Loading, making it a significant concern for organizations implementing comprehensive security frameworks.