CVE-2003-1460 in Worker Filemanager
Summary
by MITRE
Worker Filemanager 1.0 through 2.7 sets the permissions on the destination directory to world-readable and executable while copying data, which could allow local users to obtain sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1460 affects Worker Filemanager versions 1.0 through 2.7, presenting a critical security flaw in how the application handles directory permissions during file copy operations. This issue stems from the application's improper handling of file system permissions, specifically when copying data between directories. The flaw manifests when the worker filemanager application creates or modifies destination directories, setting them with world-readable and executable permissions, which fundamentally compromises the security posture of the affected system.
This vulnerability represents a classic case of improper privilege management and access control implementation, aligning with CWE-732 which describes inadequate permissions on critical resources. The technical flaw occurs at the system call level where the application fails to properly secure directory permissions during file operations, creating an environment where unauthorized local users can gain access to sensitive information stored in directories that should remain restricted. The issue is particularly concerning because it operates at the file system level, making it difficult to detect through traditional application-level security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited by local users with minimal privileges. Attackers can leverage this flaw to access sensitive data that should remain protected, potentially leading to data breaches, privilege escalation opportunities, or further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where different users may have varying levels of access rights, as it effectively neutralizes the permission model by making directories globally readable and executable. This creates a vector for information gathering and reconnaissance activities that can be used to plan more sophisticated attacks.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005 which involves data from local system storage, and T1068 which covers privilege escalation through local exploitation. The flaw provides attackers with a method to bypass normal access controls and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information that would typically be protected by proper directory permissions. Organizations running affected versions of Worker Filemanager face significant risk of data exposure and potential system compromise, especially in environments where sensitive data is stored in directories that are regularly copied or moved through this application.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate upgrading to a patched version of Worker Filemanager that properly handles directory permissions during file operations. System administrators should also implement proper permission auditing and monitoring to detect unauthorized changes to directory permissions. Additionally, applying the principle of least privilege and ensuring that file operations maintain appropriate security contexts can help prevent similar issues. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other applications that may exhibit similar permission handling flaws and implement security controls that enforce proper access control mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper permission management in file system operations and highlights the need for robust security practices in application development and system administration.