CVE-2010-3923 in AttacheCase
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in AttacheCase before 2.70 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse executable file in the current working directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-3923 represents a classic untrusted search path issue affecting AttacheCase software versions prior to 2.70. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-426, which specifically addresses the execution of untrusted code due to insecure search path handling. The flaw exploits the software's tendency to search for executable files in the current working directory without proper validation or sanitization of the search path, creating a dangerous privilege escalation vector for local attackers. Attackers can leverage this weakness by placing a malicious executable with the same name as a legitimate program that AttacheCase attempts to execute, effectively tricking the system into running unauthorized code with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from how AttacheCase handles file execution within its operational environment. When the software performs operations that require executing external programs, it does not properly validate or sanitize the execution paths, allowing the operating system to resolve executable names through the standard PATH search mechanism. This behavior creates an opportunity for attackers to place malicious binaries in directories that appear earlier in the search path, particularly the current working directory where the vulnerable software is executed. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without requiring network connectivity or remote access, making it a local privilege escalation threat that can be leveraged by any user with access to the affected system.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables local users to escalate their privileges from standard user level to administrator or system level access, depending on the context in which AttacheCase operates. The exploitability of this vulnerability is relatively straightforward, requiring only the ability to write files to the current working directory where the vulnerable software is executed. This makes it particularly concerning in environments where users may have legitimate access to systems running AttacheCase, as the attack surface expands beyond just malicious actors. The vulnerability can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1068 (Local Privilege Escalation) and T1548.002 (Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism), demonstrating how the flaw can be leveraged to bypass security controls and gain unauthorized access to system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3923 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves updating AttacheCase to version 2.70 or later, where the software properly validates and sanitizes search paths during executable resolution. Organizations should also implement proper file system permissions and access controls to limit write access to directories where AttacheCase operates, particularly preventing non-privileged users from placing executable files in these locations. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict which executables can be launched by AttacheCase, using tools like Windows AppLocker or similar security frameworks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly when dealing with file system operations and executable resolution. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar search path issues in other software components, ensuring comprehensive protection against privilege escalation attacks.