CVE-2002-0157 in Nautilus
Summary
by MITRE
Nautilus 1.0.4 and earlier allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the .nautilus-metafile.xml metadata file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0157 affects Nautilus file manager versions 1.0.4 and earlier, presenting a significant security risk through a symlink attack mechanism. This flaw specifically targets the handling of metadata files within the Nautilus environment, creating a path traversal scenario that allows local attackers to manipulate system files through carefully crafted symbolic links. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of file paths during metadata file operations, particularly when processing the .nautilus-metafile.xml file which stores user preferences and file association data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the predictable naming convention of metadata files and the lack of proper access control checks when creating or updating these files. When Nautilus processes file metadata, it does not adequately verify whether the target file path points to a symbolic link, allowing attackers to create malicious symbolic links that redirect file operations to arbitrary locations on the filesystem. This type of attack falls under the category of symlink-based privilege escalation and can be classified as a CWE-59 vulnerability, specifically related to improper handling of symbolic links during file operations. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates at the local user level, requiring no elevated privileges to execute successfully.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites, as it can potentially enable attackers to modify critical system files, inject malicious code into user configurations, or disrupt normal file management operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness to overwrite configuration files, modify user preferences, or even create backdoor access points within the file system. The vulnerability affects any local user who interacts with Nautilus, making it particularly concerning for multi-user systems where privilege separation is expected. This weakness directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, as well as T1548.001 for abuse of system privileges, since it allows local users to effectively escalate their privileges through file system manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to patched versions of Nautilus, as the original implementation contained fundamental flaws in path resolution and file access control. System administrators should also implement proper file system permissions and audit access to metadata directories to prevent unauthorized symbolic link creation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms, particularly when dealing with user-generated metadata files. Organizations should consider implementing additional monitoring for unusual file system activities and symbolic link creation patterns, as these can serve as indicators of exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of file manager applications and their metadata handling capabilities should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other software components.