CVE-2010-5213 in LiveCycle Designer
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Adobe LiveCycle Designer 8.2.1.3144.1.471865 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse .dll file in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a .tds file. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2018
Adobe LiveCycle Designer version 8.2.1.3144.1.471865 contains an untrusted search path vulnerability that enables local users to escalate privileges through the strategic placement of malicious Trojan horse dll files within the current working directory. This vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of dynamic library loading mechanisms, where the software searches for required components in predictable locations including the current working directory without adequate validation of file sources or integrity checks. The specific attack vector involves placing a malicious .dll file alongside a legitimate .tds file within the same directory, allowing the application to inadvertently load and execute the malicious code with elevated privileges. This issue represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability that aligns with CWE-426 Untrusted Search Path, where applications fail to properly validate the source and integrity of dynamically loaded libraries. The vulnerability operates at the operating system level where the dynamic linker or loader searches for dependencies in a predetermined order including the current working directory, which is often writable by local users. This behavior creates a dangerous condition where malicious actors can substitute legitimate libraries with malicious counterparts, effectively bypassing normal access controls and security boundaries. The attack demonstrates how applications that do not explicitly specify full paths for library loading or implement proper security checks can become susceptible to this class of exploitation. The operational impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted user, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it does not require network access or complex exploitation techniques, making it accessible to attackers with basic local system access. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1068 Privilege Escalation and T1574 Hijacking Execution Flow, where adversaries manipulate the execution environment to load malicious code. The root cause lies in the application's failure to implement secure coding practices regarding library loading, specifically the absence of proper path validation and the lack of integrity verification for dynamically loaded components. This vulnerability type is commonly exploited in environments where local users have write access to application directories or when applications are run with elevated privileges. The security implications are significant as this flaw allows for persistent malicious presence within the system, potentially enabling long-term access and data exfiltration. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including restricting write access to application directories, implementing proper library loading practices, and conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments of all installed Adobe products. The issue highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper privilege management in preventing local privilege escalation attacks that leverage untrusted search path vulnerabilities.