CVE-2005-0011 in kde
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple vulnerabilities in fliccd, when installed setuid root as part of the kdeedu Kstars support for Instrument Neutral Distributed Interface (INDI) in KDE 3.3 to 3.3.2, allow local users and remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via stack-based buffer overflows.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0011 affects the fliccd component within the kdeedu Kstars package, which provides support for the Instrument Neutral Distributed Interface (INDI) protocol in KDE desktop environments. This flaw exists in KDE versions 3.3 through 3.3.2 where fliccd is installed with setuid root privileges, creating a critical security exposure that can be exploited by both local and remote attackers. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the fliccd application, specifically manifesting as stack-based buffer overflows that can be triggered through maliciously crafted input data. These buffer overflows occur when the application processes data from external sources without adequate bounds checking, allowing attackers to overwrite stack memory and potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the setuid root permission model of fliccd, which is designed to enable the application to perform privileged operations required for hardware device communication. When fliccd receives data through the INDI protocol, it fails to properly validate the length of incoming data buffers, creating opportunities for attackers to overflow the allocated stack space. This allows for the corruption of return addresses and execution control flow, enabling arbitrary code execution with root privileges. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it combines multiple attack vectors, as the application can be accessed locally through direct execution or remotely through network-based communication channels that utilize the INDI protocol. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that fliccd operates with elevated privileges, making successful exploitation directly equivalent to gaining complete system control.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security model of the affected KDE installations. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain complete control over affected systems, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or use as a foothold for further network infiltration. The vulnerability affects a wide range of KDE 3.3.x installations, particularly those configured for astronomical instrument control through INDI protocols, making it relevant to educational institutions, research facilities, and any organization utilizing KDE desktop environments for scientific applications. The presence of setuid binaries in this context violates security best practices and demonstrates the critical importance of proper privilege management in software design. This vulnerability also represents a classic example of how legacy code and complex protocol implementations can introduce security weaknesses that persist across multiple versions of software distributions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0011 primarily focus on immediate remediation through software updates and privilege reduction measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading to KDE versions 3.3.3 or later where the vulnerability has been patched and the fliccd component no longer operates with unnecessary setuid privileges. Organizations should implement immediate patch management procedures to address this vulnerability across all affected systems. Alternative mitigations include removing or disabling the fliccd component when not actively needed, implementing network segmentation to limit access to INDI protocol services, and applying runtime protections such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization. From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow classification and represents a technique commonly seen in the attack patterns catalogued under ATT&CK tactic TA0004 privilege escalation. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual network traffic patterns associated with INDI protocol communication and monitoring for unauthorized execution of setuid binaries, as these activities may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of setuid applications and privilege escalation mechanisms should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the system.