CVE-2004-2258 in hummingbird
Summary
by MITRE
xconfig in hummingbird exceed before 9.0.0.1 when the screen definition is password-protected allows local users to access certain options by switching to another tab then switching back to the original tab.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-2258 affects the xconfig component of Hummingbird Exceed before version 9.0.0.1, a software solution that provides x11 forwarding capabilities for windows environments. This issue represents a specific access control flaw within the graphical user interface of the application where certain configuration options become accessible through a simple tab-switching maneuver rather than proper authentication. The vulnerability specifically targets the screen definition configuration section which is protected by a password mechanism, yet fails to maintain proper access restrictions when users navigate between different interface tabs.
The technical flaw manifests through a state management issue in the application's user interface where the password protection mechanism does not properly persist or validate access permissions when users perform tab navigation operations. When a user switches away from a password-protected screen definition tab and then returns to it, the application fails to re-validate the user's authentication status before displaying the protected configuration options. This represents a classic case of inadequate session management and access control validation, where the system assumes that previously validated access remains valid even after user interface state changes that should trigger re-authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to configuration settings. It allows local users to bypass intended security controls and potentially modify critical system parameters that could affect network connectivity, display settings, or other x11 forwarding behaviors. This type of vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where system administrators rely on proper access controls to maintain security boundaries. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor access path that does not require additional privileges or complex exploitation techniques, making it easily exploitable by any local user who understands the interface navigation pattern.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting legitimate credentials to gain access to systems. The vulnerability demonstrates how user interface design flaws can create security weaknesses that bypass traditional authentication mechanisms. The issue also reflects poor input validation and state management practices, where the application fails to properly track and enforce access permissions across different user interface states. This vulnerability type highlights the importance of implementing robust access control validation at every interaction point within graphical applications, particularly those that handle sensitive configuration data.
The recommended mitigations include implementing proper access control validation that re-authenticates users when they navigate back to protected interface sections, ensuring that tab switching operations trigger appropriate authentication checks, and implementing comprehensive state management that properly handles access permissions across user interface transitions. Organizations should also consider applying the vendor patch released for version 9.0.0.1 and implementing additional monitoring for unauthorized configuration changes in environments where this software is deployed. Regular security assessments of graphical user interfaces should include testing for similar state management vulnerabilities that could create unauthorized access paths.