CVE-2010-5272 in DatabaseSpy 2011
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Altova DatabaseSpy 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 .qprj 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-2010-5272 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting Altova DatabaseSpy 2011 Enterprise Edition SP1. This flaw resides in the application's dynamic library loading mechanism, where the software fails to properly validate the source of dynamically loaded libraries. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes .qprj project files, which are commonly used for database connection configurations and project management within the DatabaseSpy environment. When a user opens a maliciously crafted .qprj file from a directory containing a specially crafted dwmapi.dll file, the application inadvertently loads the malicious library instead of the legitimate system library.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which describes a condition where a program searches for dynamic libraries in untrusted directories that are not properly validated or secured. The attack vector leverages the principle of least privilege violation by allowing local users to escalate their privileges through a Trojan horse approach. The dwmapi.dll file, which is a legitimate Windows system component responsible for desktop window manager functionality, becomes a weaponized payload when placed in the current working directory. This technique exploits the trust model that applications inherently place in their working directories, particularly when processing user-controllable input files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Local attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the DatabaseSpy process, which typically runs with elevated permissions when managing database connections. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond opening a malicious project file, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may encounter untrusted project files through email attachments, shared network drives, or removable media. The attack scenario demonstrates a classic supply chain compromise where malicious code is introduced through seemingly legitimate application workflows.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-5272 should focus on implementing secure coding practices and system hardening measures. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided patch or update to the DatabaseSpy application to address the untrusted search path vulnerability. System administrators should implement strict file permissions and directory access controls to prevent unauthorized modifications to application directories and working directories. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running the DatabaseSpy application with minimal required permissions and avoiding execution from user-writable directories. Additionally, security monitoring should include detection of suspicious dwmapi.dll file placements in application working directories and implementation of application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized dynamic libraries. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of malicious code through dynamic library loading mechanisms, and demonstrates the importance of proper library path validation in preventing privilege escalation attacks.