CVE-2010-5219 in SmartFTP
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in SmartFTP 4.0.1140.0 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse dwmapi.dll file in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a .txt, .html, or .mpg 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-2010-5219 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting SmartFTP version 4.0.1140.0. This flaw resides in the application's dynamic link library (dll) loading mechanism, where the software fails to properly validate the source of dynamically loaded libraries. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application searches for required system components in the current working directory before examining system directories, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can place crafted dll files in strategic locations. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it leverages the trust model of the application's library loading behavior, allowing local users to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows the CWE-427 standard for uncontrolled search path, where the application's search path contains a directory that is not properly secured or validated. When SmartFTP processes files with extensions such as .txt, .html, or .mpg, the application's internal logic triggers a library loading sequence that searches the current working directory first. This behavior creates a privilege escalation opportunity because the system loads the malicious dwmapi.dll file instead of the legitimate system library, effectively allowing the attacker to inject code into the application's execution context. The vulnerability operates under the principle that applications should not trust libraries loaded from the current working directory without proper validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Local attackers who can place files in the directory where SmartFTP is executed can effectively gain administrative privileges on the target system. The attack requires minimal sophistication since it only requires placing a malicious dll file in the directory containing the target files, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might be prompted to open various file types. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 for privilege escalation and T1546 for modification of system processes. The exploitation can lead to persistent access, allowing attackers to maintain control over compromised systems while potentially accessing sensitive data stored in the SmartFTP application's configuration or cached files.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-5219 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most direct solution involves updating SmartFTP to a version that properly implements secure library loading practices, ensuring that system directories are prioritized over the current working directory during library resolution. Organizations should implement strict file permission controls on directories where SmartFTP is executed, particularly preventing local users from writing files to these locations. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict which dll files can be loaded by SmartFTP, as outlined in the NIST SP 800-171 standard for protecting sensitive data. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly in applications that handle user-provided files and execute system-level operations. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar untrusted search path vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization's attack surface.