CVE-2011-5153 in FotoSlate
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in FotoSlate 4.0 Build 146 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse dwmapi.dll file in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a .plp 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 • 02/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-5153 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting FotoSlate 4.0 Build 146, classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration as CWE-427. This flaw exploits the application's failure to properly validate the source of dynamically loaded libraries, creating a privilege escalation vector that can be leveraged by local attackers. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application loads the dwmapi.dll library from the current working directory without proper path validation, allowing malicious actors to place a crafted Trojan horse version of this system library in the same directory as a .plp file, which is the vulnerable file format that triggers the problematic behavior.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the principle of dynamic link library hijacking, where an attacker places a malicious dwmapi.dll file in the application's working directory, causing the legitimate application to load the malicious version instead of the system's trusted library. This occurs because the application's search path does not prioritize system directories over the current working directory, violating the security principle of least privilege and creating a dangerous execution environment. The .plp file format serves as the trigger mechanism that causes the application to initiate the problematic library loading sequence, making it a critical component in the exploitation chain. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates a persistent backdoor mechanism that can be used for further system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install additional malware, establish persistent access, or perform reconnaissance activities without requiring elevated privileges initially. The local nature of this vulnerability means that it can be exploited by any user with access to the application's execution environment, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user systems where privilege separation is expected. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1068 (Local Privilege Escalation) and T1546 (Event Triggered Execution) categories, as it enables both privilege elevation and persistence through system library manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-5153 should focus on implementing proper library loading practices and establishing secure search paths that prioritize system directories over user-controlled locations. Organizations should ensure that all applications follow secure coding practices that explicitly specify full paths to system libraries rather than relying on the default search order. The recommended approach includes implementing Windows Defender Application Control policies, using secure library loading mechanisms, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing least privilege access controls and monitoring for suspicious library loading activities. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly in applications that handle user-provided files and dynamically load system components, as highlighted in the Software Security Verification Standard and the OWASP Secure Coding Practices guidelines.