CVE-2005-4595 in nView
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability (RPATH) in XnView 1.70 and NView 4.51 on Gentoo Linux allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a malicious library in the current working directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4595 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting XnView 1.70 and NView 4.51 applications running on Gentoo Linux systems. This flaw resides in the application's handling of dynamic library loading mechanisms, specifically through the RPATH (run-time search path) configuration that governs how the operating system locates shared libraries during program execution. The vulnerability stems from improper library resolution behavior where applications fail to validate or sanitize the search paths used to locate required shared libraries, creating an exploitable condition that can be manipulated by local attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental principle of dynamic library loading where applications search for required libraries in a predefined order of directories. When XnView and NView applications are executed, they utilize the RPATH mechanism to determine where to look for shared libraries, but due to insufficient validation of the current working directory, malicious actors can place crafted malicious libraries in the directory from which the application is launched. This creates a privilege escalation scenario where local users can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the running application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application's RPATH configuration does not properly restrict the search path to trusted locations, allowing the system to load libraries from the current working directory first, which can be manipulated by an attacker.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to escalate privileges and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. Local users who can influence the working directory from which these applications are executed can leverage this flaw to inject malicious code that will be executed whenever the vulnerable applications are launched. This creates a persistent threat vector where attackers can maintain access to compromised systems, particularly when these applications are frequently used or run with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where local users might not have direct access to system resources but can manipulate the execution environment of applications they can access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve implementing proper library path validation and secure coding practices that prevent the loading of untrusted libraries from arbitrary locations. System administrators should ensure that vulnerable applications are updated to versions that properly implement secure library loading mechanisms, and that RPATH configurations are explicitly set to trusted directories only. The implementation of security measures such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries can provide additional protection layers against exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-427, which specifically addresses Unrestricted Search Path, and corresponds to techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and persistence tactics. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized library modifications and maintain strict control over the execution environment of critical applications to prevent exploitation of similar untrusted search path vulnerabilities.