CVE-2003-1170 in kpopup
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in main.cpp in kpopup 0.9.1 and 0.9.5pre2 allows local users to cause a denial of service (segmentation fault) and possibly execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in command line arguments.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1170 represents a critical format string flaw within the kpopup application version 0.9.1 and 0.9.5pre2. This issue stems from improper handling of user-supplied input within the main.cpp source file, specifically when processing command line arguments. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize format specifiers provided by users, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by local attackers to manipulate the program's execution flow. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-134 which specifically addresses the use of user-supplied format strings without proper validation or sanitization, making it a prime example of insecure coding practices that have been consistently flagged as high-risk across multiple security frameworks and standards.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of command line arguments that contain format string specifiers such as %s, %d, or other format specifiers that the application passes directly to functions like printf or sprintf without proper validation. When a local user provides maliciously crafted command line arguments containing these specifiers, the application's main function processes them without adequate safeguards, leading to potential stack corruption or memory access violations. This flaw can result in segmentation faults that crash the application, thereby causing a denial of service condition. However, the severity extends beyond simple disruption as the format string vulnerability can potentially be exploited to execute arbitrary code, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to system resources or escalate privileges within the context of the running application.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-1170 extends significantly beyond immediate service disruption, as it represents a fundamental security weakness that can be leveraged for privilege escalation and system compromise. Local users who can execute the vulnerable kpopup application are granted the capability to potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the running process, which could be elevated if the application runs with administrative privileges. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes the exploitation of local privileges to gain unauthorized access to systems. The vulnerability's presence in kpopup versions 0.9.1 and 0.9.5pre2 demonstrates how even seemingly benign desktop applications can contain critical security flaws that provide attackers with pathways to system compromise. The exploitation requires minimal privileges since the vulnerability is local in nature, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can leverage this weakness to establish persistent access or escalate their privileges within the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-1170 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and code-level fixes. The most effective approach involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization of command line arguments before they are processed by format string functions. Developers should replace direct usage of user-supplied arguments with proper format string handling techniques such as using fixed format strings or implementing comprehensive input validation routines. Additionally, system administrators should ensure that all kpopup installations are updated to versions that address this vulnerability, as the flaw was likely patched in subsequent releases. The implementation of stack protection mechanisms and address space layout randomization can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of vulnerable applications or ensure that only trusted users can execute applications with known format string vulnerabilities, aligning with security best practices outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks and standards including those recommended by NIST and ISO 27001.