CVE-2010-5257 in ArchiCAD
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple untrusted search path vulnerabilities in ArchiCAD 13 and 14 allow local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse (1) srcsrv.dll or (2) GSAutoTester.DLL file in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a .2df 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-2010-5257 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting Autodesk ArchiCAD versions 13 and 14. This flaw operates under the CWE-426 weakness category, which specifically addresses the execution of binaries from untrusted paths, making it a significant concern for system security. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly validate the source of dynamically loaded libraries, creating opportunities for privilege escalation through malicious code injection. The affected software demonstrates improper handling of library loading sequences, particularly when processing .2df files that contain references to external DLL components.
The technical exploitation occurs through a Trojan horse attack vector where local users can place malicious DLL files in the current working directory of the ArchiCAD application. Specifically, the vulnerability targets two critical files: srcsrv.dll and GSAutoTester.DLL, which are loaded with elevated privileges when the application processes certain project files. This untrusted search path behavior enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the running process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The flaw operates at the operating system level where the dynamic linker searches for required libraries in a predetermined order without proper validation of source authenticity.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by attackers with local access to the system. The attack requires minimal privileges to execute successfully, as the malicious DLL files can be placed in the working directory without requiring administrative rights. The exploitation process leverages the principle of least privilege violation, where the application loads libraries from potentially compromised locations, thereby undermining the security model. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which involves executing malicious code through legitimate system processes, and T1548.001 which focuses on privilege escalation through abuse of system services.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve multiple layers of security controls that address both the immediate threat and systemic issues. System administrators should implement strict file permissions and access controls on ArchiCAD installation directories to prevent unauthorized DLL placement. The recommended approach includes deploying application whitelisting solutions that restrict which DLLs can be loaded by the application, thereby preventing malicious code execution. Additionally, the application should be configured to use absolute paths for library loading rather than relying on the system search path, which directly addresses the root cause of the vulnerability. Regular security updates and patch management procedures are essential to ensure that newer versions of ArchiCAD properly address these search path issues. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that detect suspicious file placement activities in application directories, providing early warning capabilities for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper library loading mechanisms that align with security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and Microsoft Security Development Lifecycle guidelines.