CVE-2011-3396 in PowerPoint
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 SP2 and 2010 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in the current working directory, aka "PowerPoint Insecure Library Loading Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3396 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 Service Pack 2 and PowerPoint 2010 applications. This flaw stems from the improper handling of dynamic link library loading sequences within the software's execution environment, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically targets the manner in which PowerPoint resolves and loads dynamic libraries during document processing operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the Windows dynamic link library loading mechanism through a Trojan horse DLL file placed in the current working directory of the PowerPoint application. When PowerPoint attempts to load required libraries for document processing, it searches through a predefined list of directories including the current working directory before examining system directories. This search order vulnerability allows an attacker to place a malicious DLL with the same name as a legitimate library that PowerPoint expects to load, causing the system to execute the attacker-controlled code instead of the intended library.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables local privilege escalation attacks where a malicious user with access to the target system can leverage the insecure library loading mechanism to execute code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. The attack vector requires physical access to the system or the ability to influence the current working directory of the PowerPoint process, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might inadvertently open malicious documents or where file sharing occurs between trusted and untrusted parties. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-427, which specifically addresses Unrestricted Search Path During Library Load, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers Exploitation for Privilege Escalation.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can potentially allow attackers to establish persistent access to compromised systems, escalate privileges to SYSTEM level access, and maintain long-term presence within network environments. Organizations running affected versions of PowerPoint are particularly vulnerable since the flaw exists in widely deployed office applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper library loading practices and highlights the risks associated with insecure search path implementations in enterprise software applications. Mitigation strategies should include applying Microsoft security patches, implementing application whitelisting policies, and configuring systems to limit the ability of users to place malicious files in directories where legitimate applications might load libraries. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of following secure coding practices such as using absolute paths for library loading and implementing proper privilege separation mechanisms in software development processes.