CVE-2004-1740 in Music Daemon
Summary
by MITRE
Music daemon (musicd) 0.0.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files by calling LOAD with a full pathname, then calling SHOWLIST.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1740 affects the music daemon (musicd) version 0.0.3 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in audio service management software. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the music daemon's file handling mechanisms, specifically when processing LOAD and SHOWLIST commands. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to exploit the system's file access capabilities by constructing malicious command sequences that bypass normal file access controls and retrieve arbitrary files from the system. The flaw exists in the command processing logic where the LOAD command accepts full pathnames without proper sanitization or access control verification.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a two-step attack pattern that leverages the daemon's command execution flow. Attackers first execute a LOAD command with a full pathname pointing to a target file they wish to access, effectively loading the file into the daemon's memory or processing context. Subsequently, they issue a SHOWLIST command which exposes the loaded file content through the daemon's response mechanism. This sequential approach exploits the lack of proper path validation and access control checks within the music daemon's command processing pipeline, allowing unauthorized file access regardless of the file's permissions or location within the file system hierarchy. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially expose sensitive system files, configuration data, or user information stored on the affected system. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to files that should normally be restricted, potentially including system configuration files, user credentials, or application data. The attack requires minimal privileges since it operates over network connections and exploits the daemon's legitimate file access functionality. This vulnerability undermines the fundamental security principle of least privilege, as it allows remote access to system resources that should be protected from unauthorized access. The impact is particularly severe in environments where the music daemon runs with elevated privileges or has access to sensitive data repositories.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1740 should focus on implementing proper input validation and access control measures within the music daemon's command processing. Organizations should immediately upgrade to version 0.0.4 or later of the music daemon where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper path validation and access control enforcement. System administrators should also implement network segmentation to restrict access to the music daemon service, limiting exposure to trusted networks only. Additionally, the daemon should be configured to run with minimal required privileges, and file access controls should be enforced through proper file system permissions. The implementation of command whitelisting or blacklisting mechanisms can prevent execution of dangerous commands like LOAD with arbitrary pathnames. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control enforcement in network services, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through legitimate system access. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect suspicious command sequences and establish proper incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts.