CVE-2006-6085 in Kile
Summary
by MITRE
Kile before 1.9.3 does not assign a backup file the same permissions as the original file, which might allow local users to obtain sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/28/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6085 affects Kile text editor versions prior to 1.9.3, presenting a significant security flaw related to file permission handling during backup operations. This issue stems from the application's failure to maintain consistent permission settings between original files and their corresponding backup copies, creating potential information disclosure risks for local users. The flaw specifically manifests when Kile creates backup files, failing to properly propagate the original file's access controls and ownership settings to the backup artifacts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in Kile's backup file creation mechanism, where the software does not properly synchronize file permissions between the source file and its backup counterpart. This misconfiguration allows local adversaries to potentially access backup files that should normally be restricted based on the original file's permission settings. The flaw represents a classic case of inadequate access control enforcement within application file handling operations, where the backup system fails to maintain the security boundaries established by the original file's permission model.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables local users to obtain sensitive information that should remain protected by the original file's access controls. When Kile creates backup files without maintaining proper permissions, it essentially provides unauthorized access to backup copies of sensitive documents, configuration files, or other protected data. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as these backup files might contain confidential data that would normally be restricted to specific users or groups, making this vulnerability particularly concerning in environments where multiple users share system resources.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permission assignment, and represents a failure in proper access control implementation within file system operations. This weakness can be leveraged by attackers to gain unauthorized access to information that should remain protected, potentially leading to data breaches or information disclosure incidents. The issue also corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1005, which involves data from local system storage, as adversaries can exploit this flaw to access sensitive data stored in backup files.
Mitigation strategies should focus on updating Kile to version 1.9.3 or later, where the backup file permission handling has been corrected. System administrators should also implement proper monitoring of backup file access patterns and consider additional file permission controls to limit access to backup files. The fix implemented in the updated version ensures that backup files inherit the same permission settings as the original files, maintaining the security boundaries established by the original access controls. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their text editors and development tools to identify similar permission-related vulnerabilities that might exist in other applications within their environment.