CVE-2010-5263 in SWF Decompiler
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Sothink SWF Decompiler 6.0 Build 610 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 .flv file. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-5263 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within Sothink SWF Decompiler version 6.0 Build 610, constituting a privilege escalation risk that exploits the software's insecure dynamic link library loading mechanism. This flaw resides in the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize the search path used when loading dynamic link libraries, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can place crafted modules in the current working directory to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the decompiler processes files in directories containing .flv multimedia files, providing attackers with a precise attack vector through the Trojan horse technique.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability stems from the application's reliance on the default Windows DLL search order without implementing proper security controls to prevent loading modules from untrusted locations. When Sothink SWF Decompiler encounters a .flv file in a directory, it attempts to load required system libraries including dwmapi.dll from the current working directory before checking system directories, allowing attackers to place a malicious dwmapi.dll file that will be executed instead of the legitimate system library. This behavior directly aligns with CWE-427, which describes uncontrolled search path dependencies where applications use insecure library loading mechanisms, and CWE-74, which addresses injection flaws in the context of library loading. The vulnerability operates under the principle that applications should not trust modules loaded from the current working directory without proper validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the target user, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Local users who have access to the system can leverage this vulnerability to place malicious DLL files in directories containing .flv files, effectively creating a persistent backdoor mechanism. The attack requires minimal privileges and can be executed automatically when the vulnerable application processes files, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may unknowingly interact with malicious files. This vulnerability also demonstrates the broader category of DLL hijacking attacks that are commonly categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically mapping to T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1546.009 for exploitative content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-5263 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Users should immediately update to patched versions of Sothink SWF Decompiler or implement proper privilege separation by running the application with minimal required permissions. System administrators should employ application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized DLL execution and monitor for suspicious file placement in directories containing multimedia files. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the need for implementing secure coding practices such as using LoadLibrary with fully qualified paths, implementing proper DLL search path controls, and employing modern security mechanisms like DEP (Data Execution Prevention) and ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization). Organizations should also consider implementing security awareness training to prevent users from inadvertently placing malicious files in directories that may be processed by vulnerable applications. The vulnerability serves as a prime example of why defense-in-depth strategies are essential and why applications should never trust modules loaded from untrusted locations without proper validation and verification mechanisms.