CVE-2012-4897 in Movie Decoder
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in the installer in VMware Movie Decoder before 9.0 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse executable file in the installer directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4897 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within VMware Movie Decoder's installer component prior to version 9.0. This flaw resides in the installer's handling of executable file paths during the installation process, creating a privilege escalation vector that can be exploited by local attackers. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where the installer directory contains executable files that are not properly validated or secured, allowing malicious actors to place Trojan horse executables in strategic locations within the installation path. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-426 category of "Untrusted Search Path" which is a well-documented weakness in software security where programs execute files from directories that are not properly validated or secured. The issue is particularly concerning because it leverages the trust model inherent in the installation process, where the system assumes that files within the installer directory are legitimate and safe to execute.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a local attacker places a malicious executable file with the same name as a legitimate installer component in the installer directory. When the installer runs, it traverses the search path and executes the attacker-controlled file instead of the intended legitimate executable. This behavior violates the principle of least privilege and allows an attacker to execute code with the privileges of the installer process, which typically runs with elevated permissions. The installer directory path is often included in the system's PATH environment variable or is explicitly searched by the installer, creating an attack surface where untrusted code can be executed. This vulnerability is classified as a privilege escalation flaw and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers "Local Privilege Escalation" through the manipulation of program execution paths.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-4897 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable full system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify system files, or establish persistent access to affected systems. The vulnerability affects all versions of VMware Movie Decoder prior to 9.0, making it a significant concern for organizations that have not updated their systems. The attack requires local system access, which makes it less likely to be exploited remotely, but still represents a serious threat in environments where local access is possible or where attackers have already achieved initial compromise through other means. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in installation and update mechanisms where programs must execute code from potentially untrusted sources. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching and implement additional security controls such as file integrity monitoring and access controls on installation directories to prevent unauthorized modifications to critical system components.
The remediation for this vulnerability requires updating to VMware Movie Decoder version 9.0 or later, which addresses the untrusted search path issue through proper path validation and secure execution practices. System administrators should also conduct thorough security assessments of installation directories to ensure no malicious files have been placed in affected paths. Additional mitigations include implementing application whitelisting policies, restricting write permissions to installer directories, and monitoring for suspicious file creation or modification activities in system installation paths. The vulnerability highlights the need for comprehensive security testing during software development, particularly for installation and update mechanisms that handle file execution. This issue serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and the potential for seemingly benign installation processes to become attack vectors when proper security controls are not implemented. Organizations should also consider implementing security awareness training for system administrators to recognize and prevent the placement of unauthorized executable files in system directories.