CVE-2011-5151 in Picture Frame Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in ACDSee Picture Frame Manager 1.0 Build 81 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse ShellIntMgrPFMU.dll file in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a .jpg file. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-5151 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting ACDSee Picture Frame Manager version 1.0 Build 81. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of path manipulation flaws that have been systematically catalogued under CWE-426, which specifically addresses "Untrusted Search Path" conditions where software applications search for files in directories that may be manipulated by attackers. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the search path used to locate dynamic link libraries, creating an opportunity for privilege escalation through malicious file placement.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a Trojan horse approach where a local attacker places a malicious ShellIntMgrPFMU.dll file in the current working directory of the target application. This specific DLL filename suggests it may be masquerading as a legitimate system component, leveraging the trust model that operating systems inherently place in certain system directories and file names. When the ACDSee Picture Frame Manager processes a directory containing a .jpg file, it executes the malicious DLL instead of the legitimate system component, thereby executing arbitrary code with the privileges of the target user. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insecure library loading practices that have been documented in various security frameworks and are particularly concerning in applications that run with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to potentially enable full system compromise, as local users who can manipulate the working directory can effectively bypass normal access controls and privilege boundaries. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it requires minimal privileges to execute and can be automated through social engineering or automated tools that place the malicious DLL in targeted directories. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and specifically addresses the use of untrusted search paths to escalate privileges. The fact that the vulnerability can be demonstrated through a simple .jpg file directory manipulation indicates a low barrier to exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may not be security-aware.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper DLL loading practices that utilize absolute paths and validate file integrity before execution. The recommended approach involves modifying the application to load libraries only from trusted, predefined system directories rather than allowing searches through the current working directory. Security controls should also include implementing proper file permission controls and using tools such as Windows Defender Application Control or similar application whitelisting solutions to prevent unauthorized DLL execution. Additionally, system administrators should conduct regular security audits to identify and remediate similar untrusted search path vulnerabilities across all installed applications, as this type of flaw has been consistently identified in numerous software applications over the years and represents a fundamental security design weakness that requires careful attention to prevent privilege escalation attacks.