CVE-2010-4831 in GTK+
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in gdk/win32/gdkinput-win32.c in GTK+ before 2.21.8 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse Wintab32.dll file in the current working directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4831 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within the GTK+ graphical user interface library, specifically affecting versions prior to 2.21.8. This flaw resides in the gdk/win32/gdkinput-win32.c component which handles input device management on windows platforms. The vulnerability stems from the library's failure to properly validate the search path when loading the Wintab32.dll dynamic link library, creating an exploitable condition that allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The issue manifests when the system attempts to load the Wintab32.dll file from the current working directory without first verifying its authenticity or origin, thereby enabling a malicious actor to place a crafted Trojan horse DLL in the working directory of a vulnerable application.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which describes situations where applications search for libraries or executables in directories that are not properly controlled or validated. The flaw operates through a classic privilege escalation attack vector where an attacker places a malicious Wintab32.dll file in the same directory as a vulnerable GTK+ application. When the application executes and attempts to load the input handling library, the system's dynamic linker resolves the DLL reference to the attacker-controlled file instead of the legitimate system library. This behavior violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a failure in proper DLL loading security practices. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited by any local user who has write access to the directory containing the vulnerable application, potentially allowing elevation to the privileges of the running process.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4831 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass broader system compromise potential. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted application, which may include elevated system rights depending on how the application is configured. The vulnerability affects applications built on GTK+ 2.x framework, which were widely used across various software platforms including desktop applications, development tools, and system utilities. This widespread adoption means that numerous legitimate applications could be vulnerable, creating a significant attack surface. The local nature of the exploit reduces the complexity of execution compared to remote attacks, as the attacker only needs to have access to the target system's file system and the ability to place files in the working directory of a vulnerable process. The attack can be particularly insidious because it leverages legitimate system components, making detection more challenging for security monitoring systems that might not flag the execution of trusted system libraries.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4831 focus primarily on updating to patched versions of GTK+ where the library properly validates DLL search paths and implements secure loading mechanisms. System administrators should ensure that all applications using GTK+ 2.x components are updated to version 2.21.8 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the untrusted search path vulnerability. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper file system permissions to restrict write access to directories containing vulnerable applications, employing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized DLLs, and monitoring for suspicious DLL loading activities through process monitoring tools. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in library development, particularly regarding dynamic library loading and search path resolution. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for application execution, ensuring that applications run with minimal required privileges to reduce the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1068 Privilege Escalation through the use of DLL hijacking techniques and T1547 Persistence by potentially enabling long-term access through elevated privileges gained via the exploit.