CVE-2011-4141 in SecurID
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in EMC RSA SecurID Software Token 4.1 before 4.1.1 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a Software Token file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4141 represents a critical untrusted search path weakness in EMC RSA SecurID Software Token version 4.1 before 4.1.1. This flaw resides in the token authentication software that provides two-factor authentication services, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise security environments where privileged access controls are paramount. The vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of dynamic library loading processes, where the software fails to validate the source and integrity of dynamically linked libraries before execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the RSA SecurID Software Token application executes in a directory containing malicious DLL files. When the legitimate application attempts to load required libraries, it searches the current working directory before examining system directories, creating an opportunity for privilege escalation attacks. This behavior directly aligns with CWE-427, which describes uncontrolled search path dependencies, and represents a classic example of how insecure library loading practices can be exploited by adversaries. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it requires no elevated privileges initially, as local users can simply place malicious DLL files in directories where the software executes, then trigger the application to load these crafted libraries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially compromise entire authentication systems within organizations. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the RSA SecurID Software Token, which may include administrative or privileged accounts. This presents a significant risk to enterprise security infrastructure since the RSA SecurID token is commonly used for securing access to critical systems, databases, and network resources. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers execution through command and scripting interpreters, as the malicious DLLs can be designed to execute additional payloads upon loading. Organizations using this software may experience unauthorized access to sensitive systems, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within their networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4141 should focus on immediate software updates to version 4.1.1 or later, which addresses the untrusted search path issue through proper library loading mechanisms. System administrators should implement additional protective measures including privilege separation, directory access controls, and monitoring for suspicious file placements in directories where authentication software executes. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that the RSA SecurID Software Token runs with minimal required permissions and that users cannot easily place malicious files in execution paths. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unusual patterns of DLL loading or privilege escalation attempts, particularly in environments where this software is deployed. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of their authentication infrastructure and implement file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized modifications to critical security applications.