CVE-2008-1671 in kde
Summary
by MITRE
start_kdeinit in KDE 3.5.5 through 3.5.9, when installed setuid root, allows local users to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via "user-influenceable input" (probably command-line arguments) that cause start_kdeinit to send SIGUSR1 signals to other processes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1671 affects the start_kdeinit utility in KDE desktop environments version 3.5.5 through 3.5.9 when installed with setuid root privileges. This represents a critical security flaw that exploits the privileged execution context of the utility to potentially escalate privileges or disrupt system operations. The issue stems from improper input validation within the start_kdeinit utility, which processes user-influenced command-line arguments without adequate sanitization or security checks. When executed with elevated privileges, this utility becomes a vector for exploitation due to its ability to manipulate process signals through SIGUSR1 signals sent to other system processes.
The technical flaw manifests in the way start_kdeinit handles command-line arguments that originate from user input, creating an input validation vulnerability that can be exploited to influence the utility's behavior. This vulnerability operates under CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and specifically relates to the insecure handling of user-controllable data within privileged execution contexts. The setuid root installation of start_kdeinit creates a dangerous scenario where local users can manipulate the utility's execution flow to send signals to other processes, potentially targeting critical system processes or user sessions. This behavior enables both denial of service conditions and arbitrary code execution capabilities, depending on the target processes and system configuration.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to system integrity and availability within KDE environments. The local user can leverage this flaw to either disrupt normal system operations through denial of service or potentially gain elevated privileges by manipulating signal delivery to processes that might be running with different privilege levels. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no network access and can be exploited from within the local system, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional network-based security measures. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple service disruption as it represents a potential privilege escalation pathway that could allow attackers to compromise the entire system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through system updates and patches that address the input validation issues within start_kdeinit. Organizations should implement comprehensive system hardening measures including removing unnecessary setuid privileges from the utility and ensuring proper input sanitization processes are in place. The solution aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which addresses privilege escalation through the exploitation of system-level utilities, and requires careful monitoring of process signal handling within the KDE environment. System administrators should also consider implementing process monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect unusual signal delivery patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of privilege separation and the principle of least privilege, as the setuid root installation of start_kdeinit creates an unnecessary security risk that should be eliminated through proper system configuration and patch management procedures.