CVE-2005-0242 in Yahoo!
Summary
by MITRE
the audio setup wizard (asw.dll) in yahoo! messenger 6.0.0.1750 and possibly other versions allows attackers to arbitrary code by placing a malicious ping.exe program into the messenger program directory which is installed with weak default permissions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0242 represents a classic privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution flaw within the Yahoo! Messenger 6.0.0.1750 software ecosystem. This issue specifically targets the audio setup wizard component known as asw.dll which is responsible for configuring audio devices during the initial setup process of the messaging application. The flaw stems from poor permission handling and inadequate security controls within the installation directory structure, creating a dangerous attack surface that adversaries can exploit to gain elevated system privileges.
The technical mechanism of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of the software installation directory where Yahoo! Messenger places its executable components. When the audio setup wizard executes, it loads and processes files from the messenger program directory without proper validation or permission checks. Attackers can place a malicious ping.exe program in this directory, taking advantage of the weak default permissions that allow modification of critical installation files. This represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates inadequate security hardening in the application's installation process. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application, potentially leading to full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the compromised system. Once an attacker successfully places the malicious ping.exe file in the installation directory, they can leverage this to escalate privileges and potentially gain access to sensitive user data, network resources, or other system components. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it requires minimal user interaction beyond the normal installation or setup process, making it difficult to detect and prevent. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources, and demonstrates how weak default configurations can create persistent security weaknesses that remain exploitable across multiple versions of the software.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate permission hardening and access control enforcement. System administrators should implement strict file permission controls on the Yahoo! Messenger installation directory, ensuring that only authorized users or processes can modify critical executable components. The recommended approach involves setting appropriate discretionary access control lists that prevent unauthorized file replacement or modification. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that installation directories maintain proper permissions and that no unauthorized modifications have occurred. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized binaries, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1137 for Application Installation Process and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure installation practices and proper permission management, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security principles and Microsoft security best practices for application development and deployment.