CVE-2010-5252 in HTTrack
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in HTTrack 3.43-9 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse httrack-plugin.dll file in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a .whtt 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 CVE-2010-5252 vulnerability represents a classic untrusted search path security flaw affecting HTTrack version 3.43-9, which operates as a web site copying utility. This vulnerability manifests when the application searches for plugin libraries in the current working directory without proper validation of the file source or integrity. The flaw specifically exploits the trust model where HTTrack expects to find its plugin components in predictable locations, but fails to verify that these components originate from legitimate sources within the application's intended installation directory.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the dynamic loading mechanism of HTTrack's plugin architecture where the software uses standard library loading functions that search the current working directory before checking system paths. When a malicious actor places a specially crafted httrack-plugin.dll file in the directory from which HTTrack is executed, the application will load this malicious library instead of the legitimate one. This occurs because the software does not implement proper path validation or source verification before loading external libraries, creating a privilege escalation vector for local attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for systems where HTTrack is executed with elevated privileges or in environments where users might be tricked into running the application from malicious directories. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running HTTrack, potentially leading to complete system compromise if the application is run by administrators or with elevated permissions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered simply by having a user navigate to a directory containing the malicious .whtt file, which serves as a trigger for the HTTrack application to load the malicious plugin.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element and CWE-428 Untrusted Search Path, both of which address the fundamental issue of applications not properly validating library search paths. The attack pattern follows the typical privilege escalation methodology described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through malicious DLL loading. The vulnerability demonstrates how applications that rely on dynamic library loading without proper path validation create exploitable attack surfaces where local users can manipulate the execution flow.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper path validation and source verification mechanisms within HTTrack's plugin loading process. The most effective approaches include hardening the application's library loading behavior to prioritize system paths over current working directories, implementing digital signature verification for loaded plugins, and ensuring that applications do not execute with elevated privileges when possible. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of running applications from untrusted directories, and system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized DLL loading. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices around library loading and search path handling, particularly in applications that dynamically load external components.