CVE-2010-5082 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in colorcpl.exe 6.0.6000.16386 in the Color Control Panel in Microsoft Windows Server 2008 SP2, R2, and R2 SP1 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse sti.dll file in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a .camp, .cdmp, .gmmp, .icc, or .icm file, aka "Color Control Panel Insecure Library Loading Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-5082 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting the colorcpl.exe component in Microsoft Windows Server 2008 and its subsequent versions. This flaw resides within the Color Control Panel functionality and specifically targets the insecure library loading mechanism that occurs when processing color profile files. The vulnerability manifests when the system attempts to load color management libraries from the current working directory without proper validation of the library source, creating an exploitable condition for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a Trojan horse attack vector involving the sti.dll file which is loaded by colorcpl.exe when processing various color profile formats including .camp, .cdmp, .gmmp, .icc, and .icm files. When a local attacker places a malicious sti.dll file in the same directory as these color profile files, the legitimate colorcpl.exe process will load the attacker-controlled library instead of the expected system library. This insecure library loading behavior directly maps to CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, where the application searches for libraries in a manner that allows attackers to inject malicious code through the search path.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables local users to achieve privilege escalation from standard user level to SYSTEM level access. This occurs because the colorcpl.exe process typically runs with elevated privileges to manage system color profiles, and when it loads the malicious sti.dll file, the attacker-controlled code executes with the same elevated privileges. The attack requires local system access but does not need network connectivity or complex exploitation techniques, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local accounts might be compromised or where users have access to system directories. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 Privilege Escalation through the use of insecure library loading to gain elevated system privileges.
The exploitation process involves placing a crafted sti.dll file in a directory containing legitimate color profile files that would trigger the vulnerable colorcpl.exe process. Once the user interacts with the Color Control Panel or when the system processes these color files, the malicious library gets loaded and executed with system privileges. This type of attack is particularly insidious because it leverages legitimate system components and user workflows, making detection more difficult. Organizations should implement mitigations including proper file permissions, directory access controls, and regular system updates to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper library loading mechanisms, particularly in components that handle user-provided data or files that may be processed with elevated privileges.