CVE-2010-5199 in PhotoImpact X3
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in PhotoImpact X3 13.00.0000.0 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse bwsconst.dll file in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a .ufp or .ufo file. 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 • 01/25/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-5199 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting PhotoImpact X3 version 13.00.0000.0, a graphic design and photo editing software application. This flaw resides in the application's dynamic library loading mechanism and constitutes a classic privilege escalation vector that exploits the software's failure to properly validate the source of dynamically loaded libraries. The vulnerability operates through a Trojan horse attack pattern where an attacker places a malicious bwsconst.dll file in the same directory as a targeted .ufp or .ufo file, which are common document formats used by the application. When the software processes these files, it loads the malicious DLL from the current working directory instead of from its intended secure location, thereby executing arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the application's secure coding practices.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-documented pattern that aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which specifically addresses the scenario where an application searches for libraries in an untrusted directory. The attack vector leverages the operating system's DLL search order mechanism, where applications first look in the current working directory before checking system directories. This behavior creates a window of opportunity for attackers to place malicious libraries that will be loaded before legitimate system libraries. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no special privileges to exploit, as the malicious DLL is loaded during normal user operations when processing legitimate document files. This makes the attack surface extremely broad since any user who might process these file types could be compromised, effectively transforming a local privilege escalation vulnerability into a potential system compromise vector.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security implications for organizations using PhotoImpact X3, as it allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The attack requires only the ability to write files to directories where the target application processes documents, which is often easily achievable in shared or user-accessible environments. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to potential privilege escalation, allowing attackers to gain system-level access or access other users' data. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Local Privilege Escalation' through exploitation of software vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also represents a failure in application sandboxing and secure library loading practices, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where multiple users might interact with potentially malicious files. Organizations relying on this software for graphic design work, especially in collaborative environments, face increased risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-5199 should focus on both immediate defensive measures and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to a patched version of PhotoImpact X3, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases through proper library loading mechanisms and secure search path implementation. Organizations should also implement directory permissions controls to prevent unauthorized file placement in directories where the application processes documents, though this approach alone is insufficient as the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors. System administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict which applications can execute and which libraries can be loaded, thereby reducing the attack surface. Additionally, regular security awareness training for users can help prevent accidental exploitation through social engineering or malicious file delivery. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper library loading mechanisms, particularly in applications that process user-supplied content, and highlights the need for regular vulnerability assessments and security updates to maintain operational security posture.