CVE-2012-0187 in Lotus Expeditor
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in IBM Lotus Expeditor 6.1.x and 6.2.x before 6.2 FP5+Security Pack allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in the current working directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0187 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting IBM Lotus Expeditor versions 6.1.x and 6.2.x prior to 6.2 FP5 plus Security Pack. This flaw resides in the software's dynamic link library loading mechanism, where the application fails to properly validate the source of dynamically loaded libraries. The vulnerability operates under the weakness classification of CWE-427, which specifically addresses uncontrolled search path elements, allowing attackers to manipulate the library loading process through malicious code placement.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a local attacker places a malicious Trojan horse DLL file in the current working directory from which the vulnerable IBM Lotus Expeditor application is executed. When the application attempts to load required dynamic libraries, it traverses the current working directory before checking system directories, thereby inadvertently loading the malicious DLL instead of the legitimate one. This behavior creates a privilege escalation vector where the malicious code executes with the same privileges as the legitimate application, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides a pathway for attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable versions of IBM Lotus Expeditor. Since the vulnerability requires local access to place the malicious DLL, it primarily affects environments where users have the ability to execute applications in the working directory. However, the potential for privilege escalation means that even if users operate with standard privileges, the malicious code could execute with elevated permissions if the application itself runs with administrative privileges. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers locally executed malicious code, and specifically targets the privilege escalation domain.
Organizations utilizing IBM Lotus Expeditor should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of IBM's official security patches and fixes for the 6.2 FP5+Security Pack release. System administrators should implement strict directory permissions and monitoring to prevent unauthorized DLL placement in application working directories. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper library loading practices and highlights the need for applications to implement secure coding practices that prevent search path manipulation. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify that applications do not exhibit similar untrusted search path behaviors, as this represents a fundamental security weakness that can be exploited across multiple software platforms and operating systems.