CVE-2010-5266 in VideoCharge Studio
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in VideoCharge Studio 2.9.0.632 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 .vsc file. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-5266 represents a classic untrusted search path issue affecting VideoCharge Studio version 2.9.0.632. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-427, which specifically addresses uncontrolled search path elements, and is categorized as a privilege escalation vector within the MITRE ATT&CK framework under technique T1068. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate the source of dynamically loaded libraries, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through a Trojan horse attack vector involving the dwmapi.dll file. When VideoCharge Studio processes a .vsc file, it searches for required dynamic link libraries in the current working directory before checking system directories. This behavior creates a window of opportunity where a local attacker can place a malicious dwmapi.dll file in the same directory as the target .vsc file. The application, lacking proper validation mechanisms, loads this malicious library instead of the legitimate system version, effectively executing attacker-controlled code within the context of the application's privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise when the application runs with elevated privileges. Since VideoCharge Studio is typically executed with administrative rights, the successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges and gain complete control over the affected system. The attack requires local access to the target system, making it a local privilege escalation vulnerability that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1055. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the trust relationship between the application and its file system, exploiting the implicit assumption that files in the current working directory are legitimate.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper library loading practices and adhering to secure coding principles. Organizations should ensure that applications perform explicit path validation when loading dynamic libraries, preferring absolute paths or system directories over relative paths. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running applications with reduced permissions whenever possible. Additionally, security updates from the vendor should be applied immediately, as this vulnerability was addressed through proper library loading mechanisms. System administrators should also implement file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized modifications to critical system files and directories. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing privilege escalation attacks that exploit trust relationships between applications and their environment.