CVE-2010-5211 in ALSee
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in ALSee 6.20.0.1 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse patchani.dll file in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a .ani, .bmp, .cal, .hdp, .jpe, .mac, .pbm, .pcx, .pgm, .png, .psd, .ras, .tga, or .tiff file. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-5211 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting ALSee version 6.20.0.1, which falls under the broader category of CWE-427 Untrusted Search Path. This flaw exploits the application's improper handling of dynamic library loading mechanisms, where the software fails to validate the source of dynamically loaded modules before execution. The vulnerability specifically manifests when ALSee processes image files from the current working directory, creating a dangerous precedent where malicious actors can place specially crafted DLL files to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the principle of DLL hijacking, where the system searches for required libraries in a predetermined order that includes the current working directory. When ALSee encounters an image file of any of the specified formats including .ani, .bmp, .cal, .hdp, .jpe, .mac, .pbm, .pcx, .pgm, .png, .psd, .ras, .tga, or .tiff, it attempts to load additional libraries for processing. The attacker places a malicious patchani.dll file in the same directory as the target image file, which the application then loads and executes without proper validation. This technique leverages the Windows library loading mechanism where the system searches for DLLs in the current directory before examining system directories, creating an opportunity for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise, as demonstrated by the potential for local privilege escalation. According to ATT&CK framework methodology, this vulnerability maps to T1068 Privilege Escalation through the use of a local exploit that leverages a known application weakness. The vulnerability's effectiveness is heightened by its ability to remain undetected for extended periods, as the malicious DLL file can be disguised as a legitimate component while performing malicious activities in the background. Attackers can utilize this vulnerability to install rootkits, modify system files, or establish persistent access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-5211 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor's security patch or upgrading to a newer version of ALSee that properly validates library loading paths. Organizations should implement the principle of least privilege by restricting write access to directories containing image files and ensuring that the current working directory is not included in the library search path. Additionally, security administrators should conduct regular audits of system directories to identify and remove suspicious DLL files, while implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized DLL execution. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly when dealing with dynamic library loading in applications that process user-supplied files.