CVE-2000-0552 in ICQ
Summary
by MITRE
ICQwebmail client for ICQ 2000A creates a world readable temporary file during login and does not delete it, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-0552 represents a critical security flaw in the ICQwebmail client component of ICQ 2000A software. This issue manifests as a temporary file creation anomaly that exposes sensitive authentication data to unauthorized local users. The vulnerability operates within the context of instant messaging software where user credentials and session information are processed during the authentication lifecycle. The ICQwebmail client, designed to facilitate email access through the ICQ platform, creates temporary files containing sensitive information without proper security controls during the login process.
The technical implementation flaw stems from inadequate temporary file handling procedures within the client application. When users attempt to authenticate through the ICQwebmail interface, the software generates temporary files to store intermediate authentication data including potentially sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, or session tokens. These temporary files are created with world-readable permissions, meaning any local user on the system can access them without authentication. The vulnerability specifically occurs because the application fails to properly secure these temporary files and does not implement cleanup mechanisms to remove them after successful authentication. This creates a persistent security exposure where sensitive information remains accessible on the filesystem long after the authentication process should have completed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to create potential attack vectors for privilege escalation and credential theft. Local users who can access these world-readable temporary files gain access to authentication credentials that could be used to impersonate legitimate users or gain unauthorized access to email accounts. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it does not require network connectivity or external attack vectors, making it exploitable through simple local file system access. Attackers can leverage this information to conduct account takeover attempts, perform unauthorized email operations, or use stolen credentials for further reconnaissance within the network environment.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-377, which addresses insecure temporary file creation practices, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1003.001 for OS credential dumping. The flaw represents a classic example of poor privilege management and inadequate file system security controls. The lack of proper file permission management and cleanup procedures creates a persistent security weakness that could be exploited by both malicious insiders and external attackers who gain local access to the system. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability highlights the importance of proper temporary file handling in client applications and the need for comprehensive security testing during software development phases.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through software updates from the vendor, which would address the temporary file creation and deletion mechanisms. System administrators should implement file system monitoring to detect and alert on world-readable temporary files, particularly in user directories and temporary file locations. The recommended approach includes ensuring that temporary files are created with restrictive permissions, typically limiting access to the creating process owner only, and implementing proper cleanup procedures that remove temporary files immediately after successful authentication. Additionally, organizations should conduct security audits of legacy software systems to identify similar temporary file handling issues and implement comprehensive file system security policies that prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data stored in temporary locations.