CVE-2005-0457 in Web Browser
Summary
by MITRE
opera 7.54 and earlier on gentoo linux uses an insecure path for plugins which could allow local users to gain privileges by inserting malicious libraries into the portage_tmpdir (portage) temporary directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0457 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw affecting Opera web browser versions 7.54 and earlier when running on Gentoo Linux systems. This security issue stems from the browser's improper handling of plugin loading mechanisms and its reliance on insecure temporary directory paths during the plugin installation process. The vulnerability specifically targets the interaction between Opera's plugin architecture and Gentoo's portage package management system, creating a pathway for local attackers to execute malicious code with elevated privileges.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in Opera's use of the portage_tmpdir directory as a default location for plugin temporary files without proper security controls. When Opera loads plugins, it traverses the filesystem to locate and execute these components, but the browser fails to validate or sanitize the paths it uses for plugin loading. This insecure path handling allows an attacker who has access to the system to place malicious shared libraries within the portage_tmpdir temporary directory, which Opera will subsequently load and execute with the privileges of the user running the browser. The flaw operates under the principle of insecure temporary file handling and path traversal vulnerabilities, which are commonly categorized under CWE-352 for Cross-Site Request Forgery and CWE-276 for Incorrect Default Permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables local privilege escalation attacks where an unprivileged user can potentially gain administrative or root-level access to the system. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious plugin libraries and placing them in the designated temporary directory, then triggering the browser to load these components. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages the legitimate plugin loading mechanism of the browser rather than relying on more complex exploitation techniques. This vulnerability affects the broader Gentoo Linux ecosystem where portage is the default package manager, making it a systemic issue rather than an isolated incident. The impact extends beyond just the browser itself, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to modify system files, install backdoors, or establish persistent access to the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve multiple layers of security controls that address both the immediate flaw and broader system security. System administrators should immediately update to Opera versions that have patched this vulnerability, which typically involves upgrading to version 8.0 or later where proper path validation and secure temporary file handling have been implemented. The temporary directory permissions should be restricted to prevent unauthorized users from writing to the portage_tmpdir, implementing proper umask settings and directory permissions that limit write access to authorized users only. Additionally, implementing mandatory access controls such as SELinux or AppArmor profiles can provide additional protection by restricting the browser's ability to access and execute files from insecure locations. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, demonstrating how insecure temporary file handling can serve as a foundational attack vector for broader compromise. Organizations should also consider implementing regular security audits of temporary directories and monitoring for unauthorized file modifications in system-wide temporary locations.