CVE-2011-0032 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in DirectShow in Microsoft Windows Vista SP1 and SP2, Windows 7 Gold and SP1, Windows Server 2008 R2 and R2 SP1, and Windows Media Center TV Pack for Windows Vista allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a Digital Video Recording (.dvr-ms), Windows Recorded TV Show (.wtv), or .mpg file, aka "DirectShow Insecure Library Loading Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2021
The CVE-2011-0032 vulnerability represents a critical untrusted search path issue within Microsoft DirectShow multimedia framework across multiple Windows operating systems including Vista SP1/SP2, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 R2. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-427 weakness category, specifically addressing insecure library loading practices where applications fail to properly validate the source of dynamically loaded libraries. The flaw enables local attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges by placing malicious DLL files in the current working directory of vulnerable applications that process multimedia content.
The technical exploitation mechanism relies on DirectShow's improper handling of dynamic library loading when processing specific media file types such as Digital Video Recording (.dvr-ms), Windows Recorded TV Show (.wtv), and .mpg files. When these media files are processed by vulnerable applications, DirectShow searches for required DLL dependencies in the current working directory before checking system directories, creating a path traversal vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious code. This behavior aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for executing malicious code through dynamic loading mechanisms and T1548.002 for privilege escalation via dynamic link library injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation as it can be leveraged by attackers who gain access to a low-privilege user account to elevate their privileges to system level. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal user interaction beyond the mere opening of a maliciously crafted media file, making it highly exploitable in targeted attacks. Applications that utilize DirectShow for media processing, including Windows Media Center, Windows Media Player, and various third-party media players, are all potentially affected by this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0032 should focus on implementing proper security controls including the application of Microsoft security patches and updates, implementing application whitelisting policies, and restricting write access to directories containing media files. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege and ensuring that media processing applications run with minimal required permissions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper library loading mechanisms, as outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and Microsoft's own security development lifecycle guidelines. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts.