CVE-2010-5216 in LINGO
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in LINGO 11.0.1.6 and 12.0.2.20 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse myuser.dll file in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a .ltf 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 • 02/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-5216 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting LINGO software versions 11.0.1.6 and 12.0.2.20. This flaw resides in the software's dynamic library loading mechanism where the application fails to properly validate the source and integrity of dynamically loaded libraries. The vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-426, which specifically addresses the dangerous use of untrusted search paths, making it a significant concern for privilege escalation attacks. The issue manifests when the software processes .ltf files, which are typically used for storing linear programming models and associated data within the LINGO environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a Trojan horse attack vector where a local attacker places a malicious myuser.dll file in the current working directory of the target system. When LINGO processes a .ltf file that triggers the loading of user-defined libraries, the software's dynamic loader searches through the current working directory before examining system paths, thereby inadvertently loading the malicious library instead of the legitimate one. This behavior constitutes a classic case of insecure library loading that directly enables privilege escalation, as the malicious code executes with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable application. The attack requires only local access and does not necessitate network connectivity, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local privilege escalation can lead to broader system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-5216 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks within the target environment. Once an attacker successfully loads the malicious myuser.dll, they can execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially allowing for persistent access, data exfiltration, or further exploitation of the system. The vulnerability affects users who process untrusted .ltf files, which could occur in educational environments, research settings, or business applications where users might open files from unknown sources. This threat is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where a compromised user account could provide attackers with access to sensitive optimization models and associated data. The vulnerability's classification under the MITRE ATT&CK framework places it within the privilege escalation category, specifically targeting techniques that leverage weaknesses in application loading mechanisms to gain elevated system access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-5216 should focus on both immediate defensive measures and long-term architectural improvements. Immediate actions include updating to patched versions of LINGO software where available, as the vendor should have addressed this vulnerability through proper library loading mechanisms. System administrators should implement strict file access controls and monitoring for suspicious library file placements in user directories, particularly in locations where .ltf files are processed. The implementation of application whitelisting policies can prevent execution of unauthorized dynamic libraries, while regular security audits should verify that no malicious libraries exist in common working directories. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening untrusted files and the importance of verifying file sources before processing them within sensitive applications. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing techniques for processing potentially malicious files, ensuring that any privilege escalation attempts are contained within isolated environments that cannot affect the broader system infrastructure.