CVE-2010-5200 in KeePass
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in KeePass Password Safe before 1.18 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a .kdb 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-2010-5200 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting KeePass Password Safe versions prior to 1.18. This flaw stems from the application's improper handling of dynamic link library loading mechanisms, creating a privilege escalation vector that adversaries can exploit through carefully crafted malicious files within the application's execution context. The vulnerability specifically manifests when KeePass processes a .kdb file located in a directory containing a malicious DLL, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted user.
This security weakness aligns with CWE-427, which describes uncontrolled search path dependencies, and represents a classic example of how applications can be tricked into loading malicious code from untrusted locations. The vulnerability operates through a Trojan horse attack pattern where an attacker places a malicious DLL in the same directory as a legitimate KeePass database file, exploiting the application's trust in its current working directory. When KeePass attempts to load required libraries during database operations, it inadvertently loads the attacker-controlled DLL instead of legitimate system libraries, creating a privilege escalation pathway.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential full system compromise, as the malicious DLL can leverage the elevated privileges of the KeePass process to access sensitive information or manipulate the victim's password database. Attackers can exploit this weakness by placing malicious files in directories where users frequently open KeePass databases, particularly in shared or networked environments where users might not be aware of the potential threat. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no special privileges to exploit and can be triggered through normal user activities such as opening password files or navigating directories containing compromised files.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-5200 should focus on immediate software updates to KeePass version 1.18 or later, which addressed the untrusted search path issue through proper library loading mechanisms. System administrators should implement strict file access controls and monitor directory permissions around password storage locations to prevent unauthorized DLL placement. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening password files from untrusted sources and the importance of maintaining secure working directories. Organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for suspicious DLL loading activities through endpoint detection and response solutions. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper library resolution mechanisms, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution through legitimate system processes and T1546 for persistence through dynamic link library injection.