CVE-2013-0733 in PaintShop Pro X5
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Corel PaintShop Pro X5 and X6 16.0.0.113, 15.2.0.2, and earlier allows local users to execute arbitrary code and conduct DLL hijacking attacks via a Trojan horse dwmapi.dll that is located in the same folder as a .jpg file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/08/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0733 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting Corel PaintShop Pro versions X5 and X6, specifically impacting versions 16.0.0.113, 15.2.0.2, and earlier releases. This flaw resides in the application's dynamic link library loading mechanism, where the software fails to properly validate the source of dynamically loaded libraries during file processing operations. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes image files, particularly .jpg files, which creates an opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the insecure library loading behavior. According to CWE-427, this represents an uncontrolled search path that allows attackers to manipulate the application's library resolution process, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution through DLL hijacking techniques.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted Trojan horse dwmapi.dll file that is strategically placed in the same directory as a targeted .jpg image file. When a user opens the malicious image file, the PaintShop Pro application attempts to load the dwmapi.dll library to handle certain display or graphics operations. Due to the insecure search path implementation, the application loads the malicious version of dwmapi.dll from the local directory instead of the legitimate system location. This behavior aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for execution through command and scripting interpreter and T1574.002 for hijacking execution flow. The flaw essentially allows attackers to inject malicious code into the application's execution context, enabling them to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the user running PaintShop Pro.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the target system. Local users who open the malicious image file can inadvertently trigger the exploitation process, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users may encounter untrusted image files. The attack vector is relatively simple to implement, requiring only the placement of a malicious DLL file alongside a legitimate image file, which can be accomplished through social engineering, compromised systems, or automated attack tools. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper library loading practices and the dangers of insecure search paths in application design. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where users may be processing images from untrusted sources, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0733 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to patched versions of Corel PaintShop Pro where the untrusted search path vulnerability has been addressed through proper library loading mechanisms. Organizations should implement application whitelisting policies to restrict which executables can run on systems, particularly in environments where users process untrusted image files. The application should be configured to use absolute paths for library loading rather than relying on the system search path, which aligns with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Application Security Verification Standard. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for suspicious file placement patterns and implement file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized DLL placement in application directories. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, ensuring that even if an attacker successfully executes malicious code, they cannot easily escalate privileges or move laterally within the network environment.