CVE-2010-2794 in spice-xpi
Summary
by MITRE
The SPICE (aka spice-xpi) plug-in 2.2 for Firefox allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on an unspecified log file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2794 affects the SPICE (SPICE-XPI) plug-in version 2.2 for Firefox, representing a critical security flaw that enables local attackers to perform arbitrary file overwrites through symbolic link manipulation. This issue stems from inadequate file handling practices within the plug-in's logging mechanism, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and potential system compromise. The vulnerability specifically targets an unspecified log file that the plug-in creates during operation, making it susceptible to exploitation by malicious actors who can manipulate the file system to redirect writes to sensitive system locations.
The technical flaw manifests through a classic symlink attack vector where an attacker creates symbolic links with names that match the expected log file paths used by the SPICE plug-in. When the plug-in attempts to write to what it believes is a legitimate log file, it actually writes to the target of the symbolic link instead. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-59, which specifically addresses improper link resolution without limit checks, and represents a variant of the broader category of insecure temporary file handling. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and file system access controls within the Firefox plug-in architecture, allowing attackers to bypass normal file access restrictions through manipulation of the file system hierarchy.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites, potentially enabling attackers to modify critical system files, inject malicious code into the browser environment, or escalate privileges to gain elevated system access. Since the plug-in operates within the context of the Firefox browser, successful exploitation could lead to complete browser compromise and potential access to user data, session information, and other sensitive resources. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no special privileges beyond local access, making it exploitable by any user with access to the target system. The attack vector leverages the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for executing malicious code through browser plugins, while also aligning with T1078 for gaining access through legitimate credentials and T1548.001 for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2794 should focus on immediate patching of the SPICE plug-in to version 2.3 or later, which addresses the symlink handling issue through proper file validation and access control mechanisms. System administrators should implement strict file system permissions and monitoring for unauthorized symbolic link creation in directories where browser plug-ins operate. The remediation process should include disabling or removing vulnerable plug-ins until proper updates are applied, as well as implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized file modifications. Organizations should also consider implementing least privilege principles for browser plug-in execution and conduct regular security assessments of browser extensions to identify similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, user education about the risks of running untrusted plug-ins and the importance of keeping browser software updated remains crucial in preventing exploitation of such vulnerabilities.