CVE-2010-3914 in GVim
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in VIM Development Group GVim before 7.3.034, and possibly other versions before 7.3.46, allows local users, and possibly remote attackers, to execute arbitrary code and conduct DLL hijacking attacks via a Trojan horse User32.dll or other DLL that is located in the same folder as a .TXT file. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3914 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting the GVim text editor developed by the VIM Development Group. This flaw exists in versions prior to 7.3.034 and potentially in versions before 7.3.46, creating a significant security risk for both local and remote attackers. The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of dynamic link library (DLL) loading mechanisms within the application's execution environment, where the software fails to properly validate the source and integrity of loaded libraries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a Trojan horse DLL hijacking attack pattern that leverages the Windows DLL search order mechanism. When a user opens a .TXT file in GVim, the application may attempt to load User32.dll or other system libraries from the same directory containing the text file. Attackers can place malicious DLL files with the same names as legitimate system libraries in the same folder as a targeted text file, causing the application to execute malicious code instead of the intended system library. This represents a classic DLL hijacking attack vector that aligns with CWE-426 and follows patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under T1555.001 for credentials in files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to potentially enable full system compromise. Local attackers can exploit this weakness by placing malicious DLLs in directories where users frequently open text files, while remote attackers may leverage this vulnerability through social engineering attacks that trick users into opening maliciously crafted text files. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate execution environment but also represents a broader class of path traversal and library loading flaws that can be exploited in various software applications. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through normal user activities such as opening text files, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional security measures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate patching and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to GVim version 7.3.034 or later, which includes proper DLL loading mechanisms that prevent untrusted libraries from being loaded from user-controlled directories. Organizations should implement application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of DLLs from user directories and establish proper security configurations for file handling applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and Microsoft's Secure Application Development Framework, which emphasize the need for explicit library loading paths and proper validation of dynamic library sources. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for suspicious DLL file placements in user directories and implement regular security audits of installed applications to identify potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited through similar attack vectors.