CVE-2010-5227 in Web Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Opera before 10.62 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 .htm, .mht, .mhtml, .xht, .xhtm, or .xhtl 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-2010-5227 represents a critical untrusted search path weakness in Opera web browsers prior to version 10.62, exposing users to potential privilege escalation attacks through carefully crafted Trojan horse files. This flaw operates within the context of local privilege escalation exploits where malicious actors can manipulate the application's dynamic link library loading mechanism by placing specially crafted files in the current working directory. The vulnerability specifically targets the dwmapi.dll file, which is a legitimate Windows system component responsible for desktop window manager functionality, making it particularly insidious as it can masquerade as a trusted system file while executing malicious code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the operating system's dynamic link library search order mechanism, where applications first search for required libraries in the current working directory before checking system directories. When Opera processes web content files such as .htm, .mht, .mhtml, .xht, .xhtm, or .xhtl documents, it may inadvertently load the malicious dwmapi.dll file from the current directory instead of the legitimate system location. This behavior aligns with CWE-426 Untrusted Search Path vulnerability classification, which occurs when applications search for libraries or executables in untrusted directories without proper validation. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no user interaction beyond opening a malicious file, making it a prime candidate for social engineering campaigns and automated exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable full system compromise when combined with other attack vectors or when the target system has additional security weaknesses. Local attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially allowing them to install malware, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's exploitation is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently open maliciously crafted web content files from untrusted sources, and the attack can be automated through various delivery mechanisms including email attachments, web downloads, or removable media. This weakness directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1068 Privilege Escalation through the use of untrusted search paths to gain elevated system access, making it a valuable target for adversaries seeking to establish persistent access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-5227 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security improvements. The most effective immediate solution is upgrading to Opera version 10.62 or later, which addresses the untrusted search path vulnerability through proper library loading mechanisms that prioritize system directories over current working directories. Organizations should also implement strict file access controls and monitoring for unauthorized dwmapi.dll file modifications in system directories, while establishing secure coding practices that validate library paths before loading. Additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns in user directories, and conducting regular security assessments to identify potential untrusted search path vulnerabilities in other applications. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper library loading practices and the potential consequences of inadequate input validation in system security.