CVE-2005-4728 in amaya
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability (RPATH) in amaya 9.2.1 on Debian GNU/Linux allows local users to gain privileges via a malicious Mesa library in the /home/anand directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4728 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting the amaya web browser version 9.2.1 running on Debian GNU/Linux systems. This flaw manifests through the improper handling of the RPATH (runtime search path) mechanism, which is a fundamental security construct used by dynamic linkers to determine where to locate shared libraries during program execution. The vulnerability specifically arises when the amaya application searches for required libraries in predictable user directories such as /home/anand, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can manipulate the library loading process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted malicious Mesa library placed in the targeted user directory. When amaya attempts to load graphics libraries for rendering web content, the dynamic linker follows its search path and inadvertently loads the attacker-controlled malicious library instead of the legitimate system Mesa library. This represents a classic privilege escalation vector where local users can elevate their privileges by leveraging the insecure library resolution mechanism. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it bypasses standard security mechanisms such as setuid binaries and relies on the inherent trust placed in the library search path resolution process.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability creates significant risk for systems running amaya 9.2.1 on Debian systems, as it allows any local user to potentially gain elevated privileges. The attack requires minimal prerequisites since the user only needs write access to their home directory, which is typically available to all users. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable full system compromise, as the malicious library could be designed to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-426, which describes the insecure use of system search paths, and demonstrates how improper library resolution can create dangerous security implications in software applications.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-4728 should focus on eliminating the insecure RPATH configuration and implementing proper library loading practices. System administrators should ensure that applications do not rely on insecure search paths and that libraries are loaded from trusted system directories only. The recommended approach involves either removing the RPATH from the binary or explicitly setting it to secure locations that cannot be manipulated by local users. Additionally, implementing proper file permissions and using security modules such as SELinux or AppArmor can provide additional layers of protection. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following the principle of least privilege and ensuring that applications do not unnecessarily trust user-controlled paths during library resolution. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through dynamic linker manipulation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls that address runtime library loading vulnerabilities.