CVE-2000-1190 in imwheel
Summary
by MITRE
imwheel-solo in imwheel package allows local users to modify arbitrary files via a symlink attack from the .imwheelrc file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-1190 resides within the imwheel package, specifically affecting the imwheel-solo component that handles mouse wheel events for X Window System environments. This flaw represents a classic symlink attack vector that exploits improper file handling mechanisms within the configuration file processing routine. The imwheel package serves as a utility that translates mouse wheel events into keyboard events, commonly used in desktop environments to enable scrolling functionality. The vulnerability manifests when the imwheel-solo utility processes the .imwheelrc configuration file, which typically resides in the user's home directory and contains rules for mapping mouse wheel actions to specific keyboard events.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a race condition or privilege escalation scenario where a local attacker can manipulate symbolic links within the .imwheelrc file processing path. When imwheel-solo reads the configuration file, it may follow symbolic links without proper validation, allowing an attacker to redirect file operations to arbitrary locations on the filesystem. This weakness directly corresponds to CWE-59, which describes improper handling of symbolic links, and CWE-276, which covers incorrect permissions and access control. The flaw essentially enables an attacker to place malicious symbolic links in the configuration processing path, causing the utility to write or modify files in unintended locations, potentially leading to privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file modification capabilities, as it can be leveraged to compromise system integrity and potentially escalate privileges. Local users who can write to their home directory or influence the .imwheelrc file can exploit this vulnerability to modify critical system files, configuration files, or even execute malicious code with elevated privileges if the imwheel-solo utility runs with higher privileges than the attacking user. This attack vector particularly affects Unix-like systems where imwheel is commonly installed, especially in desktop environments where users might have legitimate access to the configuration file but lack proper security controls. The vulnerability can be exploited in environments where multiple users share a system, as it allows one user to potentially compromise another user's configuration or system files through careful manipulation of symbolic links.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-1190 should focus on implementing proper file access controls and symbolic link validation mechanisms within the imwheel package. System administrators should ensure that the imwheel package is updated to versions that properly validate file paths and prevent symbolic link traversal attacks. The recommended approach involves modifying the imwheel-solo utility to perform proper path resolution and validate that symbolic links point to expected locations before processing configuration files. Additionally, implementing restrictive file permissions on the .imwheelrc file and related configuration directories can prevent unauthorized modification. According to ATT&CK framework category T1548.001, this vulnerability relates to privilege escalation techniques through modification of system processes, while the technique T1068 covers the exploitation of local privileges to gain elevated access. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring controls to detect suspicious file modification patterns in user home directories and system configuration areas. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and path handling in security-critical system utilities, as outlined in the OWASP Top 10 security principles.