CVE-2010-5246 in Maxthon Browser
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple untrusted search path vulnerabilities in Maxthon Browser 1.6.7.35 and 2.5.15 allow local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse (1) RSRC32.dll or (2) dwmapi.dll file in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a .html 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 • 01/12/2018
The vulnerability CVE-2010-5246 represents a critical privilege escalation issue affecting Maxthon Browser versions 1.6.7.35 and 2.5.15 through improper handling of dynamic library loading mechanisms. This flaw manifests as untrusted search path vulnerabilities that occur when the browser attempts to load system libraries without proper validation of their source or authenticity. The vulnerability specifically exploits the browser's tendency to search for required DLL files in the current working directory before checking system directories, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to place specially crafted DLL files that will be executed with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the Windows dynamic link library loading behavior where the system searches for DLLs in a specific order including the current working directory. Attackers can leverage this by placing malicious RSRC32.dll or dwmapi.dll files in the same directory as a crafted HTML file, which when opened by the vulnerable browser triggers the loading of the malicious DLL instead of the legitimate system library. This creates a classic Trojan horse scenario where legitimate system functionality is hijacked through path manipulation attacks. The vulnerability falls under CWE-426 Untrusted Search Path, which specifically addresses the security implications of applications searching for libraries in insecure locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows local users to escalate their privileges from standard user level to administrator level without requiring any special authentication or network access. When a user opens a malicious HTML file containing a Trojan horse DLL, the browser loads the malicious library during execution, potentially enabling the attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently open malicious files or where social engineering attacks are common. The attack vector is relatively simple and can be executed through various means including email attachments, web downloads, or USB drives containing malicious files.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. The primary mitigation involves updating to a patched version of Maxthon Browser where the search path handling has been corrected to prioritize system directories over the current working directory. Additionally, system administrators should implement application whitelisting policies that restrict which DLL files can be loaded by browser processes. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper library loading mechanisms, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 for privilege escalation through DLL side-loading. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring for suspicious DLL loading activities and regularly audit system directories for unauthorized DLL files. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it is essential to educate users about the risks of opening files from untrusted sources and to implement strict file execution policies that prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious content.