CVE-2008-3904 in Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment
Summary
by MITRE
src/main-win.c in GPicView 0.1.9 in Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment (LXDE) allows context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in a filename.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3904 represents a critical command injection flaw within the GPicView image viewer component of the Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment. This security weakness exists in the src/main-win.c source file of GPicView version 0.1.9, which is part of the broader LXDE desktop environment ecosystem. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes image filenames that contain shell metacharacters, creating an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled input can be interpreted and executed as shell commands. The flaw operates through a classic path traversal and command injection vector that leverages the application's improper handling of user-supplied filename data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the GPicView application's file processing logic. When a user opens an image file through GPicView, the application performs operations on the filename without properly escaping or filtering special shell characters such as semicolons, ampersands, backticks, or pipes. This allows attackers to craft malicious filenames that, when processed by the application, result in arbitrary command execution within the context of the user running GPicView. The vulnerability is context-dependent because it requires an attacker to have the ability to influence the filename of an image file that will be opened by the vulnerable application, typically through social engineering or by manipulating file systems where the application operates.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-3904 extends beyond simple command execution to encompass potential privilege escalation and system compromise within the targeted environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the user running GPicView, which may include standard user privileges or potentially elevated permissions if the application runs with higher privileges. The vulnerability affects desktop environments that utilize GPicView as their default image viewer, particularly those running LXDE or similar lightweight desktop environments where this component is commonly deployed. This creates a significant risk for end-user systems where attackers can leverage the vulnerability through crafted image files, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data exfiltration, or further system compromise.
Security mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate code-level fixes and operational controls. The primary remediation involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization within the GPicView application to prevent shell metacharacters from being processed as command invocations. This aligns with CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and follows the principles of the OWASP Top Ten security framework. Organizations should also implement application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted image files, deploy network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts, and ensure timely patch deployment for affected LXDE installations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in GUI applications, as highlighted by ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, which addresses how adversaries can leverage command injection vulnerabilities to execute malicious code within target systems.