CVE-2010-1000 in KDE
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in KGet in KDE SC 4.0.0 through 4.4.3 allows remote attackers to create arbitrary files via directory traversal sequences in the name attribute of a file element in a metalink file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1000 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within KGet, the KDE SC download manager software version 4.0.0 through 4.4.3. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize file names and paths provided in metalink files, which are XML-based files used to describe downloads with multiple sources and mirrors. The flaw allows malicious actors to manipulate file paths through specially crafted metalink files containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that can bypass normal file creation restrictions and potentially overwrite critical system files or create arbitrary files in unintended locations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when KGet processes metalink files and parses the name attribute of file elements without adequate sanitization or path validation. Attackers can construct malicious metalink files containing sequences like ../../etc/passwd or ../../../windows/system32/cmd.exe that, when processed by the vulnerable download manager, result in file creation or modification operations occurring outside the intended download directory. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22, which specifically addresses directory traversal or path traversal issues in software applications. The flaw exists because the application fails to implement proper path normalization and validation routines that would detect and reject malicious path sequences before file operations are executed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file creation or modification, as it can potentially enable attackers to escalate privileges or compromise system integrity. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can create files in system directories, potentially overwriting critical system files or placing malicious executables in locations where they will be executed with elevated privileges. This represents a significant threat to system security, particularly in environments where users may download metalink files from untrusted sources. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through social engineering techniques where users are tricked into downloading and opening malicious metalink files, making it a prime candidate for drive-by download attacks and targeted compromise campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and path sanitization mechanisms within KGet and similar download managers. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of KDE SC 4.4.4 or later, where the directory traversal vulnerability has been addressed through enhanced validation of file paths and proper handling of special characters in metalink file processing. System administrators should also implement network-level controls such as metalink file content filtering and user awareness training to prevent accidental execution of malicious files. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078 Valid Accounts, as it can be used to establish persistence or execute malicious code through compromised download operations. Additionally, implementing proper file system permissions and sandboxing mechanisms can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation, ensuring that even if an attacker can create files, they cannot overwrite critical system components or execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.