CVE-2010-5249 in SafeGuard PrivateCrypto
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Sophos Free Encryption 2.40.1.1 and Sophos SafeGuard PrivateCrypto 2.40.1.2 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse pcrypt0406.dll file in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a .uti 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 • 01/13/2018
This vulnerability represents a classic untrusted search path issue affecting Sophos Free Encryption and Sophos SafeGuard PrivateCrypto software versions 2.40.1.1 and 2.40.1.2 respectively. The flaw stems from improper handling of dynamic library loading where the applications fail to validate the source and authenticity of loaded modules, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by local attackers. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the software encounters a .uti file in the current working directory, which triggers the loading of a malicious pcrypt0406.dll file that has been strategically placed by an attacker to mimic legitimate system components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-427, which describes uncontrolled search path dependencies where a program searches for files in a predictable order without sufficient validation of the file sources. This weakness allows attackers to place malicious files in directories that are searched before legitimate system directories, effectively enabling privilege escalation through DLL hijacking techniques. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it requires no elevated privileges initially, as local users can simply place the malicious DLL in the working directory of the target application, which then loads it automatically during execution.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant security risk for organizations using these encryption tools, as it allows local adversaries to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted application. The privilege escalation potential can be particularly dangerous when the vulnerable applications run with elevated permissions, potentially enabling attackers to access encrypted data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access to the compromised systems. The attack requires minimal sophistication and can be automated, making it a preferred method for attackers seeking to maintain persistence or escalate privileges on infected systems.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and secure coding practices that prevent untrusted code loading. Organizations should ensure that applications are configured to search system directories first and validate the authenticity of loaded modules through digital signatures or other integrity checks. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running vulnerable applications with minimal required permissions, and regular security updates should be applied to address known vulnerabilities. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for suspicious DLL loading activities and implement application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized code. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure library loading practices and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for execution through legitimate system processes, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls that address both application-level and system-level vulnerabilities.