CVE-2010-5271 in MapForce
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Altova MapForce 2011 Enterprise Edition SP1 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 .mfd file. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-5271 represents a critical untrusted search path weakness in Altova MapForce 2011 Enterprise Edition SP1 that enables local privilege escalation through malicious dynamic link library injection. This flaw resides in the application's handling of dynamic library loading mechanisms when processing .mfd files, creating an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled code can be executed with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application searches for required system libraries in the current working directory before examining system directories, allowing a malicious dwmapi.dll file to be loaded instead of the legitimate system library.
From a technical perspective, the flaw aligns with CWE-426 Untrusted Search Path vulnerability classification, which occurs when applications search for libraries or executables in insecure locations that can be manipulated by attackers. The attack vector leverages the application's default behavior of prioritizing local directory searches over system library paths, creating a privilege escalation opportunity for local users. When a user opens a malicious .mfd file in the compromised directory, the application's dynamic loading mechanism inadvertently loads the attacker-controlled dwmapi.dll instead of the legitimate Windows system library, enabling code execution with the privileges of the user running MapForce.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to include potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Local attackers can exploit this weakness to elevate their privileges and gain access to sensitive system resources, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability affects the enterprise version of MapForce, which typically runs with elevated privileges in corporate environments, amplifying the potential damage. Attackers can leverage this weakness to establish persistent access, install backdoors, or perform reconnaissance activities within the target environment, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where the application may be used by multiple users with varying privilege levels.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing secure coding practices and system hardening measures. Organizations should ensure that all applications employ secure library loading mechanisms that prioritize system directories over local directories during dynamic library resolution. The recommended approach involves implementing proper DLL search path security measures, including explicit path resolution for system libraries and using secure API calls that prevent loading of untrusted dynamic libraries. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized binaries and maintain strict file permissions on directories where MapForce processes .mfd files. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of adhering to secure coding standards and the principle of least privilege in application design, as outlined in various security frameworks including the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and NIST guidelines for secure software development. Organizations should also consider deploying endpoint protection solutions that monitor for suspicious library loading activities and maintain regular security updates to address similar vulnerabilities in third-party applications.