CVE-2012-0305 in Backup Exec System Recovery
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Symantec System Recovery 2011 before SP2 and Backup Exec System Recovery 2010 before SP5 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 • 04/15/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0305 represents a critical untrusted search path flaw affecting Symantec System Recovery 2011 prior to SP2 and Backup Exec System Recovery 2010 prior to SP5. This weakness stems from the software's improper handling of dynamic link library (dll) loading mechanisms, where the application fails to validate the source of loaded modules. The vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) classification of CWE-427, which specifically addresses uncontrolled search path dependencies. When these affected versions execute, they traverse the current working directory and other predefined paths in a non-secure manner, allowing malicious actors to place specially crafted dll files in locations where the software expects legitimate system components.
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 Symantec application is executed. This attack vector leverages the principle of least privilege by exploiting the software's trust in the local file system hierarchy. The vulnerability does not require network connectivity or remote execution capabilities, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited simply by having access to the target system. The flaw essentially allows privilege escalation from a standard user account to a higher privileged context, typically resulting in SYSTEM level access depending on how the software is configured and executed within the target environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0305 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates a persistent backdoor mechanism within affected systems. Attackers can maintain long-term access to compromised environments through the injected dll modules, potentially enabling data exfiltration, lateral movement, and further exploitation of network resources. The vulnerability's presence in backup and recovery software creates particular concern because these applications often run with elevated privileges and may have access to sensitive system information. Organizations utilizing these Symantec products face significant risk of unauthorized access to backup repositories and system recovery points, potentially compromising entire enterprise recovery infrastructures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass multiple layers of defense including immediate installation of available patches and service packs from Symantec, which address the root cause by implementing proper dll loading validation. System administrators should also implement strict file system permissions and execute applications from secure directories to prevent unauthorized dll injection. The use of application whitelisting solutions can provide additional protection by restricting which dll files can be loaded by the vulnerable applications. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected software and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through DLL side-loading, making it a prime target for exploitation by threat actors seeking to establish persistent access within compromised environments.