CVE-2010-3976 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player before 9.0.289.0 and 10.x before 10.1.102.64 on Windows allows local users, and possibly remote attackers, to execute arbitrary code and conduct DLL hijacking attacks via a Trojan horse dwmapi.dll that is located in the same folder as a file that is processed by Flash Player.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/27/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3976 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting Adobe Flash Player versions prior to 9.0.289.0 and 10.x versions before 10.1.102.64 on Windows systems. This flaw resides in the manner Flash Player handles dynamic link library (DLL) loading operations, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on targeted systems. The vulnerability specifically manifests when Flash Player processes files that contain references to system libraries, particularly those loaded from the same directory as the processed content. This behavior creates a dangerous precedent where attackers can place malicious DLL files in the same directory as legitimate Flash content, effectively hijacking the execution flow of the application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper DLL resolution mechanisms within Flash Player's runtime environment. When Flash Player encounters a file that requires system libraries, it follows a predictable search order that includes the current working directory before checking system directories. This search path order allows attackers to place a malicious dwmapi.dll file in the same directory as a Flash file that will be processed, causing Flash Player to load the attacker-controlled DLL instead of the legitimate system library. This technique falls under the category of DLL hijacking as defined by the Mitre ATT&CK framework, specifically mapping to technique T1036.005 for DLL Side-Loading. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited locally by users with minimal privileges and potentially remotely if attackers can convince users to open malicious Flash content.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3976 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a reliable method for executing arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it requires minimal user interaction beyond opening a Flash file, making it an attractive technique for social engineering campaigns. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Windows environments and Flash Player installations, creating a substantial attack surface that could be exploited across various enterprise and consumer environments. Security researchers have noted that this type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where users frequently open email attachments or browse websites containing Flash content, as the attack can be executed without requiring additional exploitation steps beyond the initial user interaction.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3976 primarily focus on updating Adobe Flash Player to versions that address the untrusted search path vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all Flash Player installations are updated to versions 9.0.289.0 or later, or 10.1.102.64 or later, depending on their current installation. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict which DLLs can be loaded by Flash Player, particularly in high-security environments. The implementation of Microsoft's AppLocker or similar application control technologies can provide additional protection against unauthorized DLL loading. Organizations should also consider disabling Flash Player entirely where possible, as the vulnerability landscape for Flash Player has been increasingly problematic, and many security experts recommend complete removal of Flash from enterprise environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper DLL loading practices and highlights how seemingly minor implementation flaws in system libraries can create significant security risks that affect millions of users globally. This issue aligns with CWE-427, which describes Uncontrolled Search Path Elements, emphasizing the need for secure coding practices that properly handle library loading and path resolution in applications.