CVE-2007-6532 in xfce
Summary
by MITRE
Double free vulnerability in the Widget Library (libxfcegui4) in Xfce before 4.4.2 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unknown vectors related to the "cliend id, program name and working directory in session management."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2021
The CVE-2007-6532 vulnerability represents a critical double free condition within the Widget Library component of the Xfce desktop environment, specifically affecting versions prior to 4.4.2. This flaw exists within the session management functionality of libxfcegui4, which handles client identification, program names, and working directory information during desktop session operations. The vulnerability arises from improper memory management practices where the same memory block gets freed twice during the processing of session management data, creating a potential exploitation vector for remote attackers. The double free condition occurs when the library fails to properly validate or handle the client id, program name, and working directory parameters during session restoration or initialization processes, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution.
This memory corruption vulnerability directly relates to CWE-415, which describes the condition where a program frees the same memory block twice, and may also connect to CWE-470, which covers the use of insecure functions that can lead to memory corruption. The attack vector for this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it allows remote code execution, meaning an attacker could potentially exploit this weakness from a remote location without requiring local access to the target system. The session management context provides a natural attack surface since desktop environments frequently need to restore application states across user sessions, making this functionality a prime target for exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-6532 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it enables arbitrary code execution, potentially allowing attackers to gain full control over affected systems. This vulnerability affects desktop environments running Xfce versions before 4.4.2, which were widely deployed across various Linux distributions and Unix-like systems. The session management functionality is critical for desktop environments as it handles application lifecycle management, ensuring proper application state preservation and restoration during system sessions. When compromised, this functionality can be exploited to inject malicious code into the desktop environment, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The remote execution capability means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability without needing physical access or local credentials, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2007-6532 requires immediate patching of affected Xfce installations to version 4.4.2 or later, which contains the necessary memory management fixes for the double free condition. System administrators should prioritize updating their Xfce desktop environments and verify that all affected components have been properly patched. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure to potential attackers, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual session management activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management in GUI libraries and highlights the need for thorough code review processes, particularly for components handling user-provided data in desktop environments. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all desktop environments. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and execution techniques, specifically targeting desktop environment components that handle user session management, making it relevant to both defensive and offensive cybersecurity operations.