CVE-2010-5231 in Player
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in DivX Player 7.2.019 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse VersionCheckDLL.dll file in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a .avi 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 • 02/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-5231 represents a classic untrusted search path issue affecting DivX Player version 7.2.019. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-427 category, which specifically addresses uncontrolled search path elements where applications search for required libraries or executables in directories that may be manipulated by attackers. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the search path used to locate dynamic link libraries, creating a pathway for privilege escalation through malicious file placement.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a Trojan horse approach where a local attacker places a malicious VersionCheckDLL.dll file in the current working directory of the DivX Player application. When the player attempts to perform version checking operations, it inadvertently loads the malicious DLL instead of the legitimate one, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application. This particular attack vector is demonstrated through a directory containing an .avi file, which serves as the trigger for the application to initiate the version checking process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables local privilege escalation without requiring remote network access or complex exploitation techniques. An attacker with local system access can simply place a malicious DLL file in a directory containing media files, and when the user opens those files, the malicious code executes automatically. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through the exploitation of insecure library loading mechanisms. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond opening media files, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently open media content from untrusted sources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper library loading practices and addressing the root cause of the untrusted search path. System administrators should ensure that DivX Player is updated to versions that properly validate library paths and implement secure coding practices such as using absolute paths for library loading or employing Windows' SafeDllSearchMode. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced where users have minimal necessary permissions, and directory permissions should be carefully managed to prevent unauthorized DLL placement. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict which executables can run on the system, thereby preventing the execution of malicious DLLs even if they are placed in the search path.