CVE-2010-0750 in PolicyKit
Summary
by MITRE
pkexec.c in pkexec in libpolkit in PolicyKit 0.96 allows local users to determine the existence of arbitrary files via the argument.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0750 resides within the pkexec component of PolicyKit version 0.96, specifically within the pkexec.c source file. This flaw represents a significant information disclosure vulnerability that affects local users with access to the system. The vulnerability manifests when pkexec processes command line arguments, creating an unintended pathway for attackers to determine whether specific files exist on the target system. The core issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the argument processing logic, allowing malicious users to craft specific argument sequences that reveal file system information through the application's response behavior.
This vulnerability operates at the application level within the PolicyKit framework, which serves as a privilege management system for Unix-like operating systems. The flaw specifically impacts how pkexec handles command line arguments, enabling attackers to perform reconnaissance activities without direct file system access. The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the way pkexec processes and validates input parameters, where the application's response to malformed or specially crafted arguments inadvertently exposes file system metadata. This behavior aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes information exposure vulnerabilities, and demonstrates how improper error handling can lead to unintended information disclosure.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-0750 extends beyond simple file enumeration, as it provides attackers with valuable reconnaissance data that can inform subsequent attack vectors. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can systematically determine the existence of files and directories, potentially uncovering sensitive system information, configuration files, or user data. This information disclosure capability significantly weakens the security posture of systems running affected PolicyKit versions, as it enables attackers to map the target environment and identify potential targets for privilege escalation or further exploitation. The vulnerability particularly affects systems where PolicyKit is used for privilege management, including desktop environments and server configurations that rely on this framework for access control.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected PolicyKit installations, as the most effective solution involves updating to versions that properly address the argument validation issue. System administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual argument patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on command line inputs that could trigger the vulnerability. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit local user access to potentially malicious argument combinations, while security configurations should be reviewed to ensure that unnecessary privileges are not granted to users who might exploit this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of system utilities for reconnaissance and information gathering before executing more destructive attacks.