CVE-2012-3004 in RealWin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple untrusted search path vulnerabilities in RealFlex RealWin before 2.1.13, FlexView before 3.1.86, and RealWinDemo before 2.1.13 allow local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse (1) realwin.dll or (2) keyhook.dll file in the current working directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3004 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting multiple RealFlex software components including RealWin, FlexView, and RealWinDemo applications. This flaw stems from the improper handling of dynamic library loading mechanisms within these applications, creating a privilege escalation vector that can be exploited by local attackers. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the affected software attempts to load dynamic link libraries without properly validating the source or path of these modules, allowing malicious actors to place specially crafted DLL files in the current working directory to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the Windows dynamic linking mechanism where applications search for required libraries in a specific order including the current working directory before examining system directories. When RealFlex applications load realwin.dll or keyhook.dll files, they follow this standard search order without implementing proper path validation or secure library loading practices. This behavior creates an environment where a local attacker can place a malicious DLL with the same name as the legitimate library in the directory from which the application was launched, causing the application to load and execute the attacker-controlled code instead of the intended system library. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-426 Untrusted Search Path, which describes the dangerous practice of allowing applications to load libraries from untrusted locations without proper validation.
The operational impact of this privilege escalation vulnerability is significant as it allows local users to execute code with the privileges of the targeted application, potentially leading to full system compromise. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability can enable attackers to gain elevated privileges, install backdoors, modify system files, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The affected applications typically run with elevated privileges due to their legitimate system integration requirements, making the privilege escalation particularly dangerous. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to bypass standard security controls and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources, especially in environments where these applications are frequently used with administrative privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3004 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to patched versions of RealWin 2.1.13, FlexView 3.1.86, and RealWinDemo 2.1.13, which address the untrusted search path vulnerability through proper library loading mechanisms. Organizations should also implement application whitelisting policies to restrict which DLL files can be loaded by these applications, ensuring that only trusted libraries from verified locations are executed. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing secure coding practices such as using LoadLibrary with full paths, implementing proper DLL search path controls, and conducting regular security audits of system directories to detect and remove potentially malicious DLL files. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1068 Privilege Escalation through the use of legitimate system tools and processes to gain elevated privileges, making it a critical target for defensive security measures and incident response protocols.