CVE-2011-1165 in Vino
Summary
by MITRE
Vino, possibly before 3.2, does not properly document that it opens ports in UPnP routers when the "Configure network to automatically accept connections" setting is enabled, which might make it easier for remote attackers to perform further attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1165 affects Vino, a VNC server implementation used in GNOME desktop environments. This issue represents a significant security oversight in network configuration documentation and user awareness. The flaw manifests when users enable the automatic network configuration feature that allows Vino to open ports on UPnP-enabled routers. The vulnerability stems from inadequate documentation and user communication regarding the automatic port opening behavior, creating a dangerous assumption that users may not fully understand the implications of enabling this feature.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) protocol functionality within Vino that automatically configures router port mappings when the network configuration setting is enabled. This automatic configuration process creates persistent network exposure without explicit user understanding of the security implications. The flaw lies in the lack of proper warning mechanisms and documentation that should inform users about the automatic port opening behavior that occurs when UPnP is enabled. This creates a scenario where attackers can potentially discover and exploit the open ports that were automatically configured by Vino without the user's explicit knowledge or consent.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple network exposure to create a broader attack surface for remote adversaries. When Vino automatically opens ports on UPnP routers, it essentially provides attackers with a direct pathway to establish connections to the VNC server without requiring additional reconnaissance or exploitation techniques. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-668, which addresses "Exposure of Resource to Wrong Sphere," as the VNC service is inadvertently exposed to external networks beyond the intended user base. The automatic nature of the port opening means that even users who are not actively using VNC may find their systems compromised due to the default behavior of the software.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability enables adversaries to perform further attacks by leveraging the automatically opened ports. The configuration allows attackers to establish connections to the VNC server without requiring additional network scanning or exploitation techniques that would normally be necessary to discover and access the service. This represents a significant reduction in attack complexity and increases the likelihood of successful compromise. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol usage for command and control communications, as the automatically opened ports could be used for malicious communication channels.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability involve multiple layers of defense and user awareness improvements. Organizations should implement strict network segmentation policies that prevent automatic port opening behaviors, particularly in environments where security is paramount. Users should be educated about the risks associated with enabling automatic network configuration features and the importance of understanding exactly what ports are being opened on their network infrastructure. System administrators should consider disabling automatic UPnP port mapping functionality in Vino and instead implement manual port configuration with proper access controls. Additionally, network monitoring should be implemented to detect and alert on unexpected port openings that may indicate this vulnerability being exploited. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper documentation and user communication in security-sensitive applications, as the lack of clear warnings about automatic port opening behavior creates an inherent risk that cannot be easily mitigated through technical controls alone.