CVE-2010-5243 in Power2Go
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple untrusted search path vulnerabilities in Cyberlink Power2Go 7.0.0.0816 allow local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse (1) dwmapi.dll or (2) MFC71LOC.DLL file in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a .p2g, .iso, .pdl, .pds, or .p2i file. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-5243 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting Cyberlink Power2Go version 7.0.0.0816. This flaw resides in the application's dynamic link library loading mechanism, where the software fails to properly validate the source of dynamically loaded components. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes specific file types including .p2g, .iso, .pdl, .pds, and .p2i formats, which can trigger the loading of malicious DLL files from the current working directory. This behavior directly violates the principle of least privilege and creates a pathway for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper DLL resolution practices within the Power2Go application. When processing media files, the software searches for required libraries in the current working directory before checking system directories, creating an exploitable condition where a malicious actor can place a crafted dwmapi.dll or MFC71LOC.DLL file in the same directory as a targeted file. This untrusted search path behavior is classified as CWE-426, which specifically addresses the execution of untrusted code due to insecure library loading mechanisms. The vulnerability operates under the assumption that the application will load libraries from predictable locations without adequate validation of their authenticity.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables local users to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack vector requires the victim to interact with a maliciously crafted file in a directory where Power2Go is installed, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might process untrusted media content. The privilege escalation aspect of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers the exploitation of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data exfiltration, system persistence mechanisms, and further lateral movement within compromised networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-5243 should focus on addressing the root cause through proper library loading practices and implementing security controls that prevent untrusted code execution. Organizations should immediately apply vendor patches if available, as Cyberlink likely released updates to resolve this issue. System administrators should implement application whitelisting policies to restrict the execution of unsigned binaries and monitor for suspicious DLL loading activities. The recommended approach includes configuring the Windows security policy to disable automatic loading of libraries from user directories and implementing strict file permission controls on Power2Go installation directories. Additionally, network segmentation and user access controls should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security audits should verify that applications properly implement secure library loading mechanisms and that no legacy applications continue to exhibit this dangerous behavior.