CVE-2011-1164 in Vino
Summary
by MITRE
Vino before 2.99.4 can connect external networks contrary to the statement in the vino-preferences dialog box, which might make it easier for remote attackers to perform attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1164 affects the Vino remote desktop sharing service version 2.99.3 and earlier, representing a significant security flaw in network access control mechanisms. This issue stems from a discrepancy between the user interface configuration and the actual operational behavior of the remote desktop service, creating a misconfiguration that allows unauthorized network access. The vulnerability specifically impacts the vino-preferences dialog box functionality, where users are presented with misleading information regarding network connectivity options.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper implementation of network access controls within the Vino service, where the service fails to properly enforce the network restrictions that are visually indicated in the preferences dialog. This creates a scenario where external network connections can be established despite the user's intent to restrict access to local networks only. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insecure default configuration and inadequate input validation, where the graphical user interface does not accurately reflect the underlying security policies. According to CWE-693, this vulnerability falls under the category of protection mechanism failure, specifically related to improper enforcement of access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple network connectivity issues, as it provides attackers with an avenue for remote exploitation that bypasses the intended security controls. Attackers can leverage this misconfiguration to establish unauthorized remote desktop sessions, potentially gaining full control over affected systems. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on Vino for remote desktop services, as it undermines the fundamental security assumptions that users make when configuring access controls. This creates a dangerous situation where administrators believe they have restricted remote access while the system remains vulnerable to external attacks.
The security implications of CVE-2011-1164 align with ATT&CK technique T1021.001 for remote services and T1046 for network service scanning, as the vulnerability enables attackers to discover and exploit remote desktop services without proper authentication. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor that allows network discovery and access that should have been restricted, making it easier for threat actors to perform reconnaissance and establish persistent access to systems. Organizations using Vino for remote desktop services face increased risk of unauthorized access, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within their networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrading to Vino version 2.99.4 or later, where the network access control implementation has been corrected to properly enforce the restrictions indicated in the user interface. System administrators should also implement additional network-level controls such as firewall rules to restrict access to Vino's default ports, and conduct regular security audits to ensure that remote desktop services are properly configured. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of validating user interface representations against actual system behavior, and underscores the critical need for proper access control implementation in network services. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized remote desktop connections, as the vulnerability creates a persistent security risk that cannot be fully addressed through simple configuration changes alone.