CVE-2006-3742 in Kdebase
Summary
by MITRE
The KDE PAM configuration shipped with Fedora Core 5 causes KDM passwords to be cached, which allows attackers to login without a password by attempting to log in multiple times.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-3742 represents a significant authentication flaw within the KDE desktop environment's integration with Pluggable Authentication Modules on Fedora Core 5 systems. This issue stems from improper configuration of the PAM stack that governs authentication processes for the KDM display manager. The flaw specifically affects how the system handles password caching mechanisms during the authentication workflow, creating an exploitable condition that undermines the fundamental security assumptions of the login process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies in the incorrect PAM configuration that enables password caching behavior within the KDE environment. When users attempt to log in through KDM, the system stores password credentials in a manner that persists across multiple authentication attempts. This caching mechanism, while potentially intended to improve user experience by reducing repeated password entry, creates a critical security weakness. The flaw allows attackers to exploit this behavior by repeatedly attempting to authenticate with a single valid password, effectively bypassing the need for legitimate password knowledge.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability transforms a normally secure authentication process into a predictable attack surface. Attackers can leverage this weakness through simple brute force techniques, systematically attempting login combinations until they successfully authenticate without knowing the actual password. The vulnerability affects the authentication integrity of the KDE desktop environment and potentially compromises the entire system if users have administrative privileges. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal technical expertise to execute and can be automated, making it a preferred method for unauthorized access attempts.
The security implications extend beyond simple credential theft to encompass broader system compromise scenarios. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-255, which addresses issues related to credentials management and authentication flaws, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1110, which covers credential access through brute force methods. The flaw represents a failure in proper authentication flow design where the system's security controls are bypassed through improper configuration rather than sophisticated attack techniques. Organizations using affected KDE configurations face increased risk of unauthorized system access, potential data breaches, and escalation of privileges through compromised user accounts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention through proper PAM configuration updates and security policy enforcement. System administrators should verify that the PAM stack configuration properly implements authentication controls and does not cache passwords inappropriately. The fix involves modifying the KDM PAM configuration files to ensure that password credentials are not stored in memory or cache across authentication attempts. Additionally, implementing account lockout mechanisms and monitoring for unusual authentication patterns can provide additional defense layers. This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper authentication configuration management and highlights the need for regular security audits of authentication systems, particularly those involving desktop environments and display managers.