CVE-2010-4182 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in the Data Access Objects (DAO) library (dao360.dll) in Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP3, Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition SP3, Windows Vista Business SP1, and Windows 7 Professional allows local users, and possibly remote attackers, to execute arbitrary code and conduct DLL hijacking attacks via a Trojan horse msjet49.dll that is located in the same folder as a file that is processed by dao360.dll. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-4182 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within Microsoft's Data Access Objects (DAO) library component. This flaw exists in the dao360.dll dynamic link library which is part of the Microsoft Office suite and Windows operating systems. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of dynamic library loading mechanisms, specifically when the system searches for required DLL files in predictable locations. The affected systems include Windows XP Professional SP3, Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition SP3, Windows Vista Business SP1, and Windows 7 Professional, all of which utilize the same vulnerable DAO library component. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which is a fundamental security weakness where applications search for libraries in predictable locations without proper validation or sanitization of the search path.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a sophisticated DLL hijacking attack vector. An attacker places a malicious msjet49.dll file in the same directory as a legitimate file that will be processed by the dao360.dll library. When the vulnerable system attempts to load the required database access components, it inadvertently loads the attacker-controlled malicious DLL instead of the legitimate system component. This creates a privilege escalation scenario where local users can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted process. The attack can potentially be extended to remote exploitation scenarios where attackers can influence the creation of files in directories accessible to the vulnerable application. The attack mechanism aligns with the ATT&CK framework's T1059.001 command and scripting interpreter and T1546.009 process injection techniques, as it leverages legitimate system processes to load malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant across multiple threat scenarios. Local users can leverage this flaw to gain elevated privileges and execute malicious code on compromised systems, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability's potential for remote exploitation makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently interact with malicious files. The attack surface is broad due to the widespread use of the affected Microsoft operating systems and applications. Organizations running these vulnerable versions face increased risk of persistent threats, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability also impacts system integrity and can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data stored in databases that utilize the DAO library for data access operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require a multi-layered approach to address both immediate protection and long-term security posture improvement. The primary recommendation involves applying the relevant Microsoft security patches and updates that correct the untrusted search path behavior in the DAO library. System administrators should implement strict file permission controls and directory access restrictions to limit where malicious DLL files can be placed. The principle of least privilege should be enforced across all user accounts, particularly those with access to database processing applications. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous DLL loading behavior and potential hijacking attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable software. The implementation of application whitelisting solutions can provide additional protection by restricting which DLL files can be loaded by legitimate applications, effectively blocking the malicious msjet49.dll from executing. System hardening practices including disabling unnecessary services and components, and implementing robust endpoint protection solutions, should also be considered to reduce the overall attack surface.