CVE-2005-1842 in Version Cue
Summary
by MITRE
VCNative for Adobe Version Cue 1.0 and 1.0.1, as used in Creative Suite 1.0 and 1.3, and when running on Mac OS X with Version Cue Workspace, creates temporary log files with predictable names, which allows local users to modify arbitrary files via a symlink attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1842 affects Adobe Version Cue 1.0 and 1.0.1 components within Adobe Creative Suite 1.0 and 1.3 versions when operating on Mac OS X systems with Version Cue Workspace functionality. This security flaw stems from the improper handling of temporary file creation processes within the VCNative component, which serves as a core element for version control and collaboration features in Adobe's creative workflow tools. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application generates temporary log files during normal operation, creating a predictable naming pattern that exposes the system to potential exploitation by malicious local users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the predictable naming scheme of temporary files created by VCNative, which allows attackers to establish symbolic links that point to critical system files or user documents. When the application attempts to write to what it believes are temporary log files, it actually modifies files referenced through the malicious symlinks. This type of attack falls under the category of symlink-based file manipulation attacks and represents a classic example of insecure temporary file handling practices that have been documented in numerous security frameworks including CWE-355. The predictable naming convention creates a scenario where an attacker can pre-create symbolic links with the same names that the vulnerable application will use for temporary files, effectively hijacking the application's file operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file modification capabilities, as it can potentially enable more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation, data corruption, or unauthorized access to sensitive information within the user's creative workflow environment. Since Version Cue is designed for collaborative creative processes involving multiple users and files, the exploitation of this vulnerability could compromise the integrity of creative assets and version control systems. The attack vector is particularly concerning in professional creative environments where multiple users share systems or where administrators might be running the application with elevated privileges. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for executing malicious code and T1566.001 for phishing attacks, as local attackers could exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to system resources or manipulate creative workflows.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires local system access and knowledge of the predictable temporary file naming scheme, making it a medium-severity threat that can be leveraged by attackers with existing system privileges. Organizations using Adobe Creative Suite versions affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of Adobe Creative Suite, implementing proper file system permissions, and monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as sandboxing or privilege separation to limit the potential impact of such attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure temporary file handling practices and proper input validation in application development, aligning with industry best practices outlined in standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for secure software development lifecycle implementation.