CVE-2002-0120 in Palm
Summary
by MITRE
Apple Palm Desktop 4.0b76 and 4.0b77 creates world-readable backup files and folders when a hotsync is performed, which could allow a local user to obtain sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0120 affects Apple Palm Desktop software versions 4.0b76 and 4.0b77, representing a critical security flaw in the synchronization process between Palm devices and desktop computers. This issue stems from improper file permission handling during the hotsync operation, where backup files and directories are created with world-readable permissions, making them accessible to any local user on the system. The vulnerability falls under the category of insecure file permissions as classified by CWE-732, which specifically addresses when inadequate permissions are assigned to security-critical resources.
During normal operation, when a user performs a hotsync between their Palm device and a desktop computer running Palm Desktop 4.0b76 or 4.0b77, the software automatically creates backup copies of the synchronized data. These backup files contain sensitive personal information including contacts, calendar entries, memos, and other private data stored on the Palm device. The flaw occurs because the application fails to properly set file permissions on these backup files, resulting in them being created with read permissions for all users on the system. This creates an information disclosure vulnerability that directly violates the principle of least privilege and data confidentiality requirements.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides local attackers with unrestricted access to potentially sensitive personal data without requiring any authentication or elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit this weakness by simply navigating to the backup directories and reading the world-readable files, potentially gaining access to personal contact information, calendar appointments, private notes, and other confidential data that users might consider sensitive. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments or shared computing systems where unauthorized individuals may have access to the same machine.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005 for Data from Local System and T1021.001 for Remote Services, as it enables unauthorized data access through local file system manipulation. The flaw represents a classic case of inadequate access control implementation where the system fails to properly enforce data protection mechanisms. Organizations using affected Palm Desktop versions should immediately implement mitigations including manual permission adjustments on backup directories, implementing proper file system access controls, and upgrading to patched versions of the software. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper file permission management in preventing unauthorized data access and maintaining user privacy in synchronization applications.