CVE-2010-5224 in Cool iPhone Ringtone Maker
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Cool iPhone Ringtone Maker 2.2.3 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 .mp3 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-2010-5224 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting Cool iPhone Ringtone Maker version 2.2.3. This flaw resides in the application's dynamic link library 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 that adversaries can leverage for privilege escalation. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it requires no special privileges initially, as local users can simply place a malicious dwmapi.dll file in the directory containing the target .mp3 file that the application processes.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-426, which categorizes untrusted search path weaknesses where applications search for libraries in insecure locations before checking system directories. The flaw essentially creates a race condition where the application's library loading order prioritizes user-controlled directories over legitimate system locations. When Cool iPhone Ringtone Maker processes an .mp3 file, it inadvertently loads the malicious dwmapi.dll from the current working directory instead of the legitimate system version, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the running process. The attack demonstrates how applications that do not properly implement secure library loading practices can be manipulated through simple file placement attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Since the malicious dwmapi.dll file can execute with the same privileges as the Cool iPhone Ringtone Maker application, attackers can potentially access system resources, modify files, or establish persistent access. The vulnerability affects systems where the application is executed with elevated privileges, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users might run applications with administrative rights. Additionally, the attack requires minimal technical skill to execute, as it only involves placing a specifically crafted DLL file in the appropriate directory, making it a preferred target for less sophisticated attackers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-5224 should focus on implementing secure coding practices and system hardening measures. Organizations should ensure that all applications perform library loading from secure, system-protected directories first, and implement proper DLL verification mechanisms to prevent loading of untrusted libraries. The application should be updated to version 2.2.4 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper library search path implementation. System administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict which executables can run in specific directories, and employ file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized DLL placements. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following ATT&CK framework tactics such as T1059 for execution and T1068 for privilege escalation, as the attack chain involves both code execution and privilege elevation through insecure library loading practices.