CVE-2011-5158 in DATEV Grundpaket Basis
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple untrusted search path vulnerabilities in the DMTGUI2.EXE and DvInesLogFileViewer.Exe components in DATEV Grundpaket Basis CD23.20 allow local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse (1) DVBSKNLANG101.dll or (2) DvZediTermSrvInfo004.dll file in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a .dmt, .adl, .c02, .dof, or .jrf 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-2011-5158 represents a critical privilege escalation issue affecting DATEV Grundpaket Basis CD23.20 software components, specifically the DMTGUI2.EXE and DvInesLogFileViewer.Exe executables. This flaw stems from improper handling of dynamic link library (dll) loading mechanisms within the application's search path resolution process, creating a dangerous environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary code through carefully crafted dll files. The vulnerability operates under the framework of CWE-426 Untrusted Search Path, which is classified under the broader category of CWE-788 Access to Critical Resource Through Environment Variable, making it particularly concerning for system security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the Windows dynamic link library loading behavior where applications first search for required dll files in the current working directory before checking system directories. This search order weakness allows attackers to place malicious dll files named DVBSKNLANG101.dll or DvZediTermSrvInfo004.dll in the same directory as the vulnerable executables, which will then be loaded automatically when the application runs. The attack vector is further amplified by the fact that these malicious files can be placed in directories containing legitimate application files such as .dmt, .adl, .c02, .dof, or .jrf files, making the attack more stealthy and harder to detect. This behavior aligns with ATT&CK technique T1036.005 Masquerading, where malicious files are disguised as legitimate application components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables local users to escalate privileges from standard user level to administrator level, potentially allowing full system compromise. Once successfully exploited, attackers can execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, access sensitive data, modify system configurations, and establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects systems running DATEV Grundpaket Basis CD23.20, which is commonly used in German accounting and financial environments, making it particularly dangerous for organizations handling sensitive financial data. The attack requires only local system access and does not require network connectivity or complex exploitation techniques, making it highly practical for threat actors to leverage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-5158 should focus on implementing proper security controls to prevent untrusted code execution. Organizations should apply the latest security patches and updates provided by DATEV, as this vulnerability was likely addressed in subsequent software versions. System administrators should implement application whitelisting policies to restrict which executables can run on the system, particularly in directories containing sensitive application files. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced where possible, limiting local user access to only necessary directories and files. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious dll loading activities and unusual file creation patterns in application directories. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices, particularly in avoiding insecure library loading mechanisms and implementing proper input validation and path resolution controls to prevent similar issues in future software development cycles.