CVE-2010-5229 in 010 Editor
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in 010 Editor before 3.1.3 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse wintab32.dll file in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a .hex file. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-5229 represents a classic untrusted search path issue affecting the 010 Editor software version 3.1.2 and earlier. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-427, which specifically addresses uncontrolled search path dependencies where applications search for required libraries or files in insecure locations. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the search path used to locate dynamic link libraries, creating an opportunity for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the local user level, meaning an attacker with minimal privileges can potentially elevate their access rights within the system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a Trojan horse attack vector involving the manipulation of the wintab32.dll file within the current working directory. When the 010 Editor processes a .hex file, it attempts to load the wintab32.dll library from the current working directory without proper validation of its source or integrity. This behavior creates a race condition where an attacker can place a malicious wintab32.dll file in the same directory as a target .hex file, causing the application to execute the attacker-controlled code instead of the legitimate system library. The attack leverages the principle of least privilege by exploiting the application's trust in the current working directory as a valid source for required system components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture that could enable more sophisticated attack chains. An attacker could potentially use this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the 010 Editor, which might include administrative rights in certain scenarios. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple system configurations makes it particularly dangerous, as it does not require specific system conditions or user interactions beyond the normal operation of the application. This type of vulnerability is categorized under ATT&CK technique T1068, which deals with local privilege escalation through the exploitation of application vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate patching and architectural improvements to prevent similar issues in the future. The most effective immediate solution is upgrading to version 3.1.3 or later of the 010 Editor, which addresses the untrusted search path issue through proper library loading mechanisms. Organizations should also implement application whitelisting policies that restrict which executables can run in specific directories, particularly those containing sensitive file types like .hex files. System administrators should conduct regular security audits to identify applications with similar search path vulnerabilities and ensure proper path validation is implemented. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by running applications with minimal required permissions and by implementing secure coding practices that avoid insecure library loading patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding guidelines such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and the CERT Secure Coding Standards, which emphasize proper input validation and secure library loading mechanisms.