CVE-2006-0948 in Instant Messenger
Summary
by MITRE
AOL 9.0 Security Edition revision 4184.2340, and probably other versions, uses insecure permissions (Everyone/Full Control) for the "America Online 9.0" directory, which allows local users to gain privileges by replacing critical files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2019
This vulnerability exists in AOL 9.0 Security Edition revision 4184.2340 and potentially other versions where the installation directory lacks proper access controls. The flaw manifests as insecure permissions where the "America Online 9.0" directory grants Everyone/Full Control access rights, creating a significant privilege escalation vector. This configuration allows local users to manipulate critical system components without requiring administrative privileges. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources, and represents a classic example of improper access control in software installations.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from the installer's failure to properly configure directory permissions during the installation process. When AOL 9.0 is installed with default settings, the application directory inherits overly permissive access controls that grant full modification rights to all users on the system. This misconfiguration enables malicious local users to replace executable files, configuration files, or other critical components within the application directory. The vulnerability operates at the file system level and does not require network connectivity or external exploitation, making it particularly concerning for systems where local access is possible.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it provides a straightforward path for privilege escalation. Local attackers can leverage this weakness to replace critical application files with malicious counterparts, potentially leading to code execution with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability is categorized under ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," and demonstrates how insecure default configurations can undermine system security. The vulnerability affects systems where AOL 9.0 is installed with default permissions, creating a persistent threat vector that remains active until the installation is properly secured.
Mitigation strategies should focus on correcting the directory permissions immediately after installation. System administrators should modify the access control lists for the AOL 9.0 directory to restrict write access to only authorized users or groups. The recommended approach involves implementing the principle of least privilege by ensuring that only administrators have full control permissions for critical application directories. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security audits to verify that installation directories maintain appropriate access controls. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure installation practices and proper permission management, which are fundamental requirements in secure system design and align with security standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO/IEC 27001.