CVE-2010-5226 in Design Review 2011
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple untrusted search path vulnerabilities in Autodesk Design Review 2011 11.0.0.86 allow local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse (1) dwmapi.dll, (2) whiptk_wt.7.12.601.dll, or (3) xaml_wt.7.6.0.dll file in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a .dwf 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 • 12/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-5226 represents a critical privilege escalation issue affecting Autodesk Design Review 2011 version 11.0.0.86. This flaw manifests through multiple untrusted search path vulnerabilities that enable local attackers to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically targets the dynamic link library (dll) loading mechanism within the application, exploiting the way the software resolves library dependencies during runtime operations. The affected system components include dwmapi.dll, whiptk_wt.7.12.601.dll, and xaml_wt.7.6.0.dll files, each representing distinct attack vectors that could be leveraged by malicious actors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of the Windows search path mechanism, which allows applications to load dynamic libraries from the current working directory before checking system directories. This behavior creates a predictable attack surface where an attacker can place malicious dll files in the same directory as a legitimate .dwf file, causing the application to execute unauthorized code when processing the document. The vulnerability is classified as a privilege escalation issue under CWE-427, which specifically addresses Untrusted Search Path vulnerabilities in software applications. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate the execution flow of legitimate software by substituting trusted libraries with malicious counterparts, creating a persistent threat vector within the application environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-5226 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise capabilities, particularly when the affected application runs with elevated privileges. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can effectively bypass standard security controls and gain unauthorized access to system resources, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction, as simply opening a malicious .dwf file containing the crafted dll files can trigger the privilege escalation. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may open various design files from untrusted sources, creating a high-risk scenario for organizations using Autodesk Design Review 2011. The attack pattern aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation tactics, specifically targeting the dynamic link library loading process as a means of executing malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on addressing the root cause through proper application configuration and system hardening measures. Organizations should implement strict file permission controls and ensure that the Autodesk Design Review application runs with minimal required privileges rather than administrative rights. System administrators should conduct regular security audits to identify and remove vulnerable applications from production systems, while also implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized dll file execution. The most effective remediation involves updating to newer versions of Autodesk Design Review that address the untrusted search path vulnerabilities, as well as implementing network-level controls to restrict file transfers from untrusted sources. Additionally, security awareness training for end users can help prevent accidental exploitation by educating them about the risks of opening files from unknown sources, particularly in environments where design files are frequently exchanged between different departments or external partners.