CVE-2010-5253 in WinImage
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in WinImage 8.50 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse wnaspi32.dll file in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a .imz 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-2010-5253 represents a classic untrusted search path security flaw affecting WinImage 8.50 software. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which occurs when applications search for libraries or executables in directories specified by the user or environment without proper validation of the search path. The specific context of this vulnerability involves the Windows-based WinImage application, which is commonly used for creating and managing disk image files including .imz format archives that contain compressed disk images.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the application's failure to properly validate the source of dynamic link library files during the loading process. When WinImage processes a .imz file, it searches for required system libraries in the current working directory before checking standard system paths. This behavior creates an opportunity for privilege escalation attacks where a local malicious user can place a crafted Trojan horse wnaspi32.dll file in the same directory as a target .imz file. The wnaspi32.dll library is a legitimate Windows SCSI API component that WinImage may attempt to load, making the malicious file appear more trustworthy to the application's loading mechanism.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable full system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. Local users who can manipulate the contents of directories containing .imz files can effectively execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running WinImage, which may include administrative rights. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 Privilege Escalation through the use of untrusted search paths as an attack surface, and represents a significant risk in environments where users may have access to directories containing disk images or where WinImage is used with elevated privileges. The attack requires local system access and knowledge of the target directory structure, but the potential for privilege escalation makes it particularly concerning in multi-user environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both application-level hardening and operational security measures. System administrators should ensure that WinImage is updated to versions that properly implement secure library loading practices, avoiding the use of the current working directory in library search paths without proper validation. Additionally, implementing least privilege principles for users who interact with disk image files can limit the potential impact of such attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices around library loading and search path validation, which aligns with security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and the CERT/CC Secure Coding Standards. Organizations should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized modifications to system directories and applications, particularly in environments where users may have write access to directories containing disk image files.