CVE-2010-5261 in SnowFox Total Video Converter
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in SnowFox Total Video Converter 2.5.1 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse dwmapi.dll file in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a .avi file. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-5261 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within SnowFox Total Video Converter version 2.5.1 that enables local privilege escalation through malicious DLL injection techniques. This flaw resides in the application's dynamic link library loading mechanism, which fails to properly validate the source and integrity of dynamically loaded components. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the software processes video files and encounters a malicious dwmapi.dll file placed in the current working directory, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it leverages the trust relationship between the application and its working directory, exploiting the fact that Windows systems typically search for DLL files in the current directory before checking system directories, a behavior that creates opportunities for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from poor input validation and insecure coding practices that do not properly sanitize file paths or validate the authenticity of dynamically loaded libraries. When the video converter processes an .avi file, it may inadvertently load the malicious dwmapi.dll from the current working directory instead of the legitimate system location, effectively bypassing normal security mechanisms. This behavior aligns with CWE-427, which describes uncontrolled search path dependencies, and demonstrates how applications that fail to properly isolate their execution environment can become vulnerable to attack. The vulnerability is classified as a local privilege escalation issue because it allows a low-privilege user to execute code with the elevated privileges of the application process, potentially leading to system compromise and further attack surface expansion.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the compromised system. Once an attacker successfully places a malicious dwmapi.dll file in a directory containing video files that will be processed by the vulnerable software, they can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the running application, which often includes system-level access. This creates opportunities for data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and further exploitation through techniques such as lateral movement or privilege escalation to SYSTEM level access. The vulnerability also demonstrates how legacy software applications may contain outdated security practices that do not align with modern security standards, as evidenced by the lack of proper DLL loading security measures and the absence of secure coding practices that would prevent such path traversal attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention through software updates and patching procedures, as the original version 2.5.1 of SnowFox Total Video Converter contains no built-in protections against this specific attack vector. System administrators should implement strict file access controls and monitoring for suspicious DLL file placements in user directories, particularly in locations where multimedia applications process files. The implementation of application whitelisting policies and secure coding practices can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other applications, while the use of Windows Defender Application Control or similar technologies can help prevent unauthorized DLL loading. Organizations should also consider implementing least privilege principles and regularly auditing software installations to ensure that vulnerable applications are not running with elevated privileges. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding guidelines and the need for regular security assessments of third-party applications, as documented in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques and the use of legitimate credentials for system compromise.