CVE-2012-2764 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Google Chrome before 20.0.1132.43 on Windows might allow local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse Metro DLL in the current working directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2764 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting Google Chrome versions prior to 20.0.1132.43 on Windows operating systems. This flaw stems from the browser's improper handling of dynamic link library loading sequences, creating opportunities for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability specifically targets the Windows platform's DLL search order mechanism, where applications attempt to load required libraries from predetermined directories in a specific sequence. When Chrome fails to properly validate or control this search path, it becomes susceptible to malicious DLL injection attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a local attacker places a specially crafted Trojan horse Metro DLL file in the current working directory from which Chrome is launched. This attack leverages the Windows DLL search order behavior where the system first searches the current working directory before examining system directories. The malicious DLL, named Metro in this context, is designed to mimic legitimate system components, allowing it to bypass security checks and execute with elevated privileges. This flaw operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-427, which specifically addresses uncontrolled search path elements that can lead to privilege escalation through malicious library loading.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Chrome process. This represents a significant security risk particularly when Chrome is running with elevated privileges or when users have administrative rights on the system. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond the initial execution of Chrome, making it suitable for automated exploitation in targeted attacks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install persistent backdoors, steal sensitive information, or further compromise the system through additional attack vectors. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for execution through command and scripting interpreter and T1546.009 for DLL side-loading, demonstrating how this flaw can be integrated into broader attack frameworks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2764 primarily focus on updating Chrome to version 20.0.1132.43 or later, where Google implemented proper DLL search path validation. Organizations should also implement additional security measures including restricting write permissions to Chrome's installation directories, monitoring for suspicious DLL loading activities, and employing application whitelisting solutions. System administrators should consider deploying security tools that can detect and prevent unauthorized DLL placement in critical directories. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper DLL loading practices in application development and underscores the need for defense-in-depth strategies that include both application-level fixes and system-level security controls. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for similar untrusted search path vulnerabilities across all installed applications to prevent similar exploitation scenarios.