CVE-2011-5154 in Gui
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple untrusted search path vulnerabilities in (1) SAPGui.exe and (2) BExAnalyzer.exe in SAP GUI 6.4 through 7.2 allow local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse MFC80LOC.DLL file in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a .sap file. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-5154 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting SAP GUI components including SAPGui.exe and BExAnalyzer.exe versions 6.4 through 7.2. This flaw constitutes a directory traversal and privilege escalation vulnerability that exploits the manner in which these applications resolve library dependencies. The vulnerability operates through a well-known attack pattern where malicious actors place specially crafted DLL files in the current working directory of the targeted application, creating a dangerous chain of execution that can be leveraged for unauthorized system access. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it requires no elevated privileges initially and can be triggered through seemingly benign file operations involving .sap files that contain malicious DLL references.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper library loading mechanisms within SAP GUI applications, specifically their reliance on the system PATH environment variable and current working directory for dynamic link library resolution. When these applications execute, they search for required libraries in a predetermined order that includes the current working directory before checking system directories, creating an exploitable condition where a malicious actor can place a crafted MFC80LOC.DLL file in the same directory as the target .sap file. This behavior aligns with CWE-426 Untrusted Search Path vulnerability classification, which specifically addresses situations where applications search for libraries in insecure locations. The flaw represents a classic case of insecure library loading where the application's trust model is compromised by its reliance on potentially hostile file locations.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-5154 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential full system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Local users who can influence the contents of directories containing .sap files can effectively execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the SAP GUI application, which typically runs with elevated permissions due to the nature of enterprise database operations. This vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where SAP GUI applications are frequently used by multiple users and may have access to sensitive business data and system resources. The attack requires minimal technical expertise and can be automated, making it attractive to both malicious actors and red teams conducting security assessments. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that many organizations use SAP GUI applications extensively for business-critical operations, providing attackers with persistent access to valuable corporate assets.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-5154 must address both the immediate vulnerability and broader security posture issues. Organizations should implement strict file access controls and directory permissions to prevent unauthorized DLL placement in directories containing SAP GUI applications. The recommended approach includes deploying application whitelisting solutions such as Microsoft AppLocker or similar technologies to restrict which executables and libraries can run on systems. Additionally, SAP GUI applications should be configured to explicitly specify library paths using absolute references rather than relying on relative paths or current working directory searches. System administrators should also implement regular security audits to monitor for unauthorized DLL files in application directories and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, highlighting the need for both preventive controls and detection capabilities. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to patched versions of SAP GUI where the search path vulnerability has been corrected, though organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and privilege separation to limit the potential impact of any remaining vulnerabilities.