CVE-2010-4167 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in configure.c in ImageMagick before 6.6.5-5, when MAGICKCORE_INSTALLED_SUPPORT is defined, allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse configuration file in the current working directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4167 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within ImageMagick's configure.c component, affecting versions prior to 6.6.5-5. This flaw manifests when the MAGICKCORE_INSTALLED_SUPPORT flag is enabled during compilation, creating a dangerous condition where the application fails to properly validate the source of configuration files. The vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of file paths during the configuration process, allowing malicious actors to exploit this weakness through carefully crafted Trojan horse files placed in the current working directory from which ImageMagick is executed.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a privilege escalation vector that leverages the application's trust in the current working directory for configuration file resolution. When ImageMagick processes configuration files, it does not adequately verify the authenticity or origin of these files, particularly when the MAGICKCORE_INSTALLED_SUPPORT flag is active. This creates an opportunity for local users to place malicious configuration files in the directory from which the application runs, effectively allowing them to inject arbitrary code or modify application behavior. The flaw is categorized under CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which specifically addresses situations where applications search for files in directories specified by environment variables or through hard-coded paths without proper validation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables local privilege escalation attacks where unprivileged users can potentially gain elevated system privileges. The attack requires only local access to the system and knowledge of the ImageMagick installation, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where users might have limited system access. The exploitation process involves creating a malicious configuration file that, when processed by the vulnerable ImageMagick version, can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application. This vulnerability affects not just individual user sessions but can also impact system-wide security when ImageMagick is used in system-level processes or services.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4167 focus primarily on upgrading to ImageMagick version 6.6.5-5 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the untrusted search path vulnerability. System administrators should also implement proper file permissions and directory access controls to limit where configuration files can be placed and executed. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that ImageMagick processes run with minimal required permissions and that the current working directory is properly secured. Additionally, monitoring for unauthorized configuration file modifications and implementing proper file integrity checking mechanisms can help detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 Privilege Escalation through the use of local system vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges, and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to serious security consequences in system applications.