CVE-2002-0529 in Photosmart Print Driver
Summary
by MITRE
HP Photosmart printer driver for Mac OS X installs the hp_imaging_connectivity program and the hp_imaging_connectivity.app directory with world-writable permissions, which allows local users to gain privileges of other Photosmart users by replacing hp_imaging_connectivity with a Trojan horse.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0529 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw in HP Photosmart printer drivers for Mac OS X systems. This issue stems from improper permission settings during the installation process of the hp_imaging_connectivity program and its associated application directory. The flaw allows local attackers to exploit the world-writable permissions to substitute legitimate system components with malicious Trojan horse programs, thereby gaining elevated privileges within the system.
This vulnerability operates at the intersection of privilege management and file system security controls, specifically violating fundamental security principles of access control and least privilege. The hp_imaging_connectivity program and directory are installed with permissions that permit any local user to modify or replace these critical system components, creating an exploitable condition that undermines the integrity of the printer driver installation process. The flaw demonstrates poor security hygiene in software deployment practices where system-critical components are not properly secured against unauthorized modifications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data exposure risks. When a local user replaces the legitimate hp_imaging_connectivity program with a malicious Trojan horse, they can effectively impersonate other Photosmart users within the system. This creates a scenario where attackers can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of other legitimate users, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data, system manipulation, or further escalation within the network environment. The vulnerability also represents a significant concern for enterprise environments where multiple users share the same system resources.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with several established threat modeling frameworks and attack patterns. The flaw corresponds to CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resources, which specifically addresses situations where critical system components are granted overly permissive access controls. Additionally, this vulnerability supports ATT&CK technique T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as it provides a mechanism for local users to elevate their privileges through the exploitation of insecure file permissions. The attack vector relies on the principle of privilege abuse through file system manipulation, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where proper access controls should prevent such unauthorized modifications.
Effective mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation through proper permission management and system hardening practices. System administrators should verify and correct file permissions on the hp_imaging_connectivity program and directory, ensuring that only authorized users or system processes can modify these critical components. The recommended approach involves implementing strict access controls where these system resources are protected with appropriate ownership and permission settings that prevent unauthorized modifications. Additionally, regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar permission issues in other installed software components. The most effective long-term solution involves updating to patched versions of the HP Photosmart driver that properly implement secure permission settings and removing any existing installations with insecure configurations to prevent exploitation.