CVE-2010-5198 in QuickBooks
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple untrusted search path vulnerabilities in Intuit QuickBooks 2010 allow local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse (1) dbicudtx11.dll, (2) mfc90enu.dll, or (3) mfc90loc.dll file in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a .des, .qbo, or .qpg file. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-5198 represents a critical privilege escalation issue affecting Intuit QuickBooks 2010 software. This flaw manifests through multiple untrusted search path vulnerabilities that exploit the application's failure to properly validate file locations during dynamic library loading operations. The vulnerability specifically targets three critical DLL files dbicudtx11.dll, mfc90enu.dll, and mfc90loc.dll which are essential components for the proper functioning of the QuickBooks application. Attackers can leverage this weakness by placing malicious versions of these DLL files in the current working directory, thereby manipulating the application's execution flow and gaining elevated privileges.
The technical exploitation mechanism relies on the Windows dynamic link library loading process where applications search for required DLL files in a specific order. When QuickBooks 2010 encounters a directory containing .des, .qbo, or .qpg files, it automatically searches for the required DLL components in the current working directory before checking system directories. This behavior creates a window of opportunity for attackers to place malicious DLL files that will be loaded instead of the legitimate system versions. The vulnerability falls under CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which specifically addresses the issue of applications not properly controlling the directories from which they load dynamic libraries.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables local users to achieve privilege escalation without requiring remote access or complex attack vectors. The attack requires only that an attacker can place malicious files in a directory that QuickBooks will process, which is typically achievable through simple file system manipulation or social engineering tactics. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially allow full system compromise, as the loaded malicious DLLs can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the QuickBooks process. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because QuickBooks often runs with elevated privileges on Windows systems, making the privilege escalation potentially severe.
The attack surface is expanded by the fact that QuickBooks processes various file types including .des, .qbo, and .qpg files, all of which can trigger the vulnerable search path behavior. These file formats are commonly used for financial data exchange and backup operations, making the attack vector highly relevant in business environments where QuickBooks is extensively used. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers the use of privilege escalation through the exploitation of dynamic link library loading mechanisms. Organizations running QuickBooks 2010 should be particularly concerned as this vulnerability can be exploited by any local user with access to the system, including potentially malicious insiders or compromised user accounts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-5198 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-provided security patches that address the untrusted search path vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement directory permissions controls to prevent unauthorized users from placing files in directories that QuickBooks processes. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict which DLL files can be loaded by QuickBooks processes. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper library loading mechanisms, making it essential for organizations to review their application security practices and ensure that all software components properly validate file paths and implement secure loading mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other applications.