CVE-2004-0690 in KDE
Summary
by MITRE
The DCOPServer in KDE 3.2.3 and earlier allows local users to gain unauthorized access via a symlink attack on DCOP files in the /tmp directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0690 represents a critical security flaw in the DCOPServer component of KDE desktop environment versions 3.2.3 and earlier. This issue stems from improper handling of temporary files within the /tmp directory, creating a privilege escalation vector that allows local attackers to gain unauthorized access to system resources. The DCOPServer serves as a communication mechanism between applications in the KDE environment, facilitating inter-process communication and system-level operations that require elevated privileges. When local users can manipulate files in the temporary directory through symbolic link attacks, they can potentially execute malicious code with higher privileges than initially intended.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a race condition and insecure temporary file handling pattern that violates fundamental security principles. Attackers exploit the predictable naming and location of DCOP files within the /tmp directory by creating symbolic links that point to sensitive system files or executables. This symlink attack technique leverages the fact that the DCOPServer process creates temporary files without proper security checks or atomic operations, allowing malicious users to redirect file operations to arbitrary locations. The vulnerability specifically targets the insecure creation of temporary files in world-writable directories, which is classified under CWE-377 as insecure temporary file creation and CWE-378 as creation of temporary files with insecure permissions. The flaw demonstrates poor privilege separation and inadequate input validation when processing DCOP communications, enabling attackers to manipulate the intended file access paths.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially compromise the entire KDE desktop environment and underlying system security. Local users who exploit this weakness can gain unauthorized access to system resources, execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, and potentially escalate their access further within the compromised environment. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the KDE desktop session, as attackers can manipulate DCOP communications to gain access to sensitive information or perform unauthorized operations. This flaw particularly impacts systems where multiple users share the same machine, as local users can leverage this vulnerability to gain access to other users' sessions or system resources. The attack vector represents a classic example of a local privilege escalation vulnerability that can be exploited by users with minimal system access, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or shared computing scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0690 require immediate system updates and configuration hardening measures to address the underlying insecure temporary file handling. The most effective solution involves upgrading to KDE versions 3.2.4 or later, where the DCOPServer properly implements secure temporary file creation and validation mechanisms. System administrators should also implement proper file system permissions and access controls, ensuring that temporary directories do not allow insecure symbolic link creation. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes the use of local privilege escalation techniques through insecure file handling. Additional mitigations include monitoring for suspicious symbolic link creation patterns in temporary directories, implementing proper file access controls, and conducting regular security audits of desktop environment configurations. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates, as this vulnerability was classified as a medium to high severity issue by security vendors and represents a well-known exploitation pattern that has been documented in various security research publications.