CVE-2010-0790 in ncpfs
Summary
by MITRE
sutil/ncpumount.c in ncpumount in ncpfs 2.2.6 produces certain detailed error messages about the results of privileged file-access attempts, which allows local users to determine the existence of arbitrary files via the mountpoint name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0790 resides within the ncpfs 2.2.6 filesystem implementation, specifically in the sutil/ncpumount.c component that handles the ncpumount utility. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that arises from overly verbose error messaging during privileged file access operations. The ncpfs package provides support for Novell NetWare file systems and includes utilities for mounting and unmounting these filesystems within Linux environments. When the ncpumount utility attempts to access files or directories during the unmounting process, it generates detailed error messages that inadvertently reveal whether specific files exist on the system.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability stems from the utility's handling of privileged file access attempts during the unmounting procedure. When ncpumount processes a mountpoint name that corresponds to a file or directory that cannot be accessed due to permission restrictions, the system generates error messages that contain specific information about the nature of the access failure. These error messages include details about file existence and access permissions that are not properly sanitized or abstracted. An attacker can exploit this behavior by crafting specific mountpoint names that trigger different error conditions, thereby mapping the filesystem structure and identifying the presence of particular files or directories without requiring direct access to them. This information disclosure occurs because the error handling logic does not adequately obscure the underlying access control decisions made by the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information gathering as it enables attackers to perform reconnaissance activities that would otherwise be difficult to accomplish through normal means. Local users can systematically test various mountpoint names to determine which files and directories exist on the system, potentially identifying sensitive files or directories that might contain confidential information. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the filesystem level and can be exploited without requiring elevated privileges beyond normal user access. The ability to map filesystem structures without direct file access creates opportunities for further exploitation, as attackers can identify potential targets for additional attacks or gain insights into the system's organization and security posture. The vulnerability affects systems running ncpfs 2.2.6 and potentially other versions that exhibit similar error handling behavior, making it a widespread concern for organizations that utilize Novell NetWare filesystem support.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0790 should focus on addressing the root cause of the verbose error handling while maintaining system functionality. The primary remediation involves updating to a patched version of ncpfs that properly sanitizes error messages and removes the detailed information disclosure. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and file system permissions to limit the impact of such information disclosure, ensuring that even if detailed error messages are generated, they do not reveal sensitive information about file existence or system structure. System administrators should consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unusual patterns of mountpoint access attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-209, which addresses the improper handling of error messages, and represents a clear example of how insufficient error message sanitization can lead to information disclosure. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving reconnaissance and information gathering, specifically those that leverage system-level information disclosure to understand target environments and identify potential attack vectors.