CVE-2005-4151 in desktop home
Summary
by MITRE
the wipe free space utility in pgp desktop home 8.0 and desktop professional 9.0.3 build 2932 and earlier does not clear file slack space in the last cluster for the file which allows local users to access the previous contents of the disk.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4151 affects PGP Desktop Home 8.0 and PGP Desktop Professional 9.0.3 build 2932 and earlier versions, specifically within the wipe free space utility functionality. This represents a critical data exposure issue that undermines the security assurances provided by disk sanitization processes. The flaw resides in how the utility handles file slack space management during the wiping process, creating persistent data remnants that can be recovered by unauthorized parties. The vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of data stored on affected systems, as it fails to completely eliminate sensitive information from disk storage.
The technical implementation flaw stems from the incomplete clearing of file slack space in the final cluster of files processed by the wipe utility. File slack space refers to the unused portion of the last cluster allocated to a file, which typically contains remnants of previously stored data. When the wipe utility operates, it should ensure complete erasure of all data within allocated clusters, including these slack spaces. However, the implementation fails to properly address the final cluster's slack space, leaving residual data accessible to local users who possess sufficient privileges or technical knowledge to recover this information. This represents a direct violation of secure deletion principles and demonstrates poor memory management practices in the disk sanitization routine.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it creates persistent security risks for organizations relying on PGP Desktop for data protection. Local users with access to affected systems can potentially recover deleted files, sensitive documents, or confidential information that should have been permanently removed. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where data classification and protection are critical, as it undermines the fundamental security assumptions of disk sanitization. The risk is compounded by the fact that the flaw exists in widely deployed versions of PGP Desktop, potentially affecting numerous enterprise and individual users who depend on the software for secure data handling.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-316, which addresses the weakness of cleartext storage of sensitive information, and demonstrates the importance of proper data sanitization procedures. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this flaw maps to techniques involving credential access and data exposure through improper data handling. The vulnerability also reflects poor adherence to security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-88 guidelines for media sanitization, where complete data destruction requires proper handling of all allocated storage space including slack areas. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including software updates, enhanced access controls, and additional monitoring of file system activities to prevent exploitation of this weakness.
The remediation approach requires deployment of updated PGP Desktop versions that properly implement complete file slack space clearing mechanisms. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify affected systems and implement proper patch management procedures. Additional defensive measures include implementing more robust access controls, regular security audits of file system operations, and educating users about the risks associated with local privilege escalation. Organizations should also consider implementing additional data loss prevention measures and monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of thorough testing of security utilities and proper implementation of data sanitization protocols to prevent information leakage through seemingly benign system operations.