CVE-2010-5232 in Plus Player
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in DivX Plus Player 8.1.0 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse ssleay32.dll file in a certain directory. 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-2010-5232 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within DivX Plus Player version 8.1.0 that creates a privilege escalation vector for local attackers. This flaw resides in the application's dynamic link library (dll) loading mechanism, where the software fails to properly validate the source and integrity of dynamically loaded components. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application attempts to load the ssleay32.dll file, a critical cryptographic library component, from a directory that is not properly secured or validated against malicious replacements.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern of DLL hijacking attacks that fall under the CWE-426 category of Untrusted Search Path. Attackers can place a malicious ssleay32.dll file in a directory that appears earlier in the system's search path than the legitimate library location, typically through a Trojan horse approach. When DivX Plus Player executes and attempts to load the cryptographic library, it inadvertently loads the attacker-controlled malicious dll instead of the legitimate system component. This behavior directly violates the principle of least privilege and enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted application, potentially escalating from a standard user account to a higher privilege level depending on how the application is configured.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass broader system compromise potential. The attacker-controlled dll can perform any operation that the DivX Plus Player application is authorized to perform, including file system access, network communication, and process manipulation. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged to establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malicious payloads. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a widely distributed media player application, increasing the potential attack surface and attack frequency. The attack requires local system access but does not necessitate network connectivity, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical access to systems is possible or where attackers have already established a foothold through other means.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-provided patch or updating to a newer version of DivX Plus Player that properly implements secure library loading mechanisms. Organizations should also implement application whitelisting policies that restrict which dll files can be loaded by the application, thereby preventing unauthorized library replacements. System administrators should conduct thorough security audits to identify all instances of the vulnerable software and ensure proper file permissions are enforced on system directories. The implementation of secure coding practices such as using absolute paths for library loading and implementing proper dll integrity checking can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation through DLL hijacking and persistence mechanisms, making it a critical target for defensive security measures.