CVE-2010-5214 in Fotobook Editor 5.0
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Fotobook Editor 5.0 2.8.0.1 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse Fwpuclnt.dll file in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a .dtp file. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-5214 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within Fotobook Editor version 5.0 build 2.8.0.1, which exposes the software to privilege escalation attacks through malicious DLL hijacking techniques. This flaw occurs when the application fails to properly validate the source of dynamic link library files it loads during execution, creating a dangerous condition where attacker-controlled code can be executed with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes .dtp files, which are document files used by the Fotobook Editor application, allowing an attacker to place a malicious Fwpuclnt.dll file in the same directory as the targeted document.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic DLL hijacking attack pattern where the Fotobook Editor application searches for required libraries in a predictable order, including the current working directory before system directories. This search path order vulnerability stems from poor security practices in library loading mechanisms, where the application does not explicitly specify full paths for library loading or implement proper security checks to validate library authenticity. The Fwpuclnt.dll file name is particularly significant as it mimics a legitimate Windows system file, making it more likely to be loaded without suspicion by the application's dynamic loading mechanism. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which specifically addresses the risk of applications searching in insecure locations for required libraries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable full system compromise through a chain of exploitation techniques. Local attackers who can place files in directories containing Fotobook Editor documents can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application, which could be a standard user or potentially an administrator if the application is run with elevated privileges. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond opening a document file, making it an effective method for social engineering attacks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1068 Privilege Escalation and T1546 Persistence, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access through loaded malicious libraries and escalate privileges within the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-5214 should focus on both immediate application-level fixes and broader system security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves patching the Fotobook Editor application to implement proper library loading mechanisms that either use full paths for all DLL loads or implement explicit validation of library sources before loading. System administrators should also implement application whitelisting policies that prevent execution of unauthorized DLL files, particularly those with names matching legitimate system components. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening documents from untrusted sources, and the application should be configured to run with minimal required privileges. Network-level protections including firewall rules and endpoint detection systems should monitor for suspicious DLL loading patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of implementing secure coding practices such as using LoadLibraryEx with proper flags to prevent search path manipulation, which aligns with security guidelines from organizations like the Open Web Application Security Project and the Center for Internet Security.