CVE-2011-0403 in ImgBurn
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in ImgBurn.exe in ImgBurn 2.4.0.0, 2.5.4.0, and other versions allows local users, and possibly remote attackers, to execute arbitrary code and conduct DLL hijacking attacks via a Trojan horse dwmapi.dll that is located in the same folder as a CUE file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0403 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting ImgBurn software versions 2.4.0.0 and 2.5.4.0, along with potentially other iterations in the product line. This flaw manifests in the manner in which ImgBurn.exe processes file paths when handling CUE files, creating an exploitable condition that enables malicious code execution through DLL hijacking techniques. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize the search path used when loading dynamic link libraries, creating a dangerous environment where attacker-controlled code can be executed with the privileges of the targeted application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic DLL hijacking pattern where an attacker places a malicious dwmapi.dll file in the same directory as a legitimate CUE file that ImgBurn processes. When the application attempts to load required system libraries, it inadvertently loads the malicious version instead of the legitimate system library, due to the Windows dynamic link library search order which prioritizes the current directory over system directories. This behavior aligns with CWE-426, which specifically addresses the issue of untrusted search paths allowing attackers to execute malicious code through the exploitation of application loading mechanisms. The vulnerability's nature makes it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through both local and remote attack vectors, expanding the potential threat surface significantly.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0403 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass broader system compromise capabilities. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can effectively gain arbitrary code execution within the context of the ImgBurn application, potentially leading to privilege escalation if the application runs with elevated privileges. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond opening a maliciously crafted CUE file, making it particularly effective for social engineering campaigns. From an attack chain perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.001 for command and script interpreter, and T1546.009 for exploit for DLL side-loading, demonstrating how the vulnerability can be leveraged within broader attack frameworks to achieve persistence and privilege escalation objectives.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0403 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to a patched version of ImgBurn where the application properly implements secure library loading practices and validates all search paths before executing code. Organizations should also implement application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized DLL execution, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted CUE files. Network-level controls including file type filtering and sandboxing of file processing applications can provide additional defense layers. System administrators should also conduct thorough security audits to identify any other applications exhibiting similar untrusted search path vulnerabilities, as this class of vulnerability is particularly common in legacy software implementations and follows patterns described in CWE-427 and CWE-428, which address uncontrolled search path modifications and untrusted path resolution respectively.