CVE-2011-1586 in KDE
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the KGetMetalink::File::isValidNameAttr function in ui/metalinkcreator/metalinker.cpp in KGet in KDE SC 4.6.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to create arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the name attribute of a file element in a metalink file. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2010-1000.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2025
The CVE-2011-1586 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the KGet metalink processing functionality of the KDE Software Compilation 4.6.2 and earlier versions. This vulnerability specifically targets the KGetMetalink::File::isValidNameAttr function located in the ui/metalinkcreator/metalinker.cpp file, which is responsible for validating file names within metalink files. The flaw enables remote attackers to exploit a path traversal mechanism by manipulating the name attribute of file elements within metalink files, allowing them to create arbitrary files on the target system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it stems from an incomplete remediation of a previous vulnerability, CVE-2010-1000, indicating a pattern of flawed security fixes that leave systems exposed to continued exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the improper handling of directory traversal sequences within the metalink file parsing process. When KGet processes a metalink file containing a file element with a name attribute containing ".." sequences, the validation function fails to properly sanitize or reject these path traversal attempts. This allows malicious actors to craft metalink files that, when processed by the vulnerable KGet application, can write files to arbitrary locations on the filesystem. The vulnerability operates at the file system level, bypassing normal access controls and potentially enabling attackers to overwrite critical system files, create backdoors, or execute unauthorized code. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-1586 extends beyond simple file creation capabilities, as it can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks within the target environment. An attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability to place malicious executables in system directories, modify configuration files, or establish persistent access mechanisms. The vulnerability affects any system running KDE SC 4.6.2 or earlier versions that process metalink files, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may encounter untrusted metalink content from web sources or peer-to-peer networks. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without requiring local system access, making it especially attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise systems without direct physical or network access. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for executing malicious code and T1078.004 for additional execution permissions, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access through file system manipulation.
Organizations and users affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to KGet versions that properly address the directory traversal issue, typically those beyond KDE SC 4.6.2. System administrators should also consider implementing network-level controls to prevent the processing of metalink files from untrusted sources, particularly in environments where users may encounter such files through web browsing or file sharing activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive security testing and validation of security patches, as the incomplete fix for CVE-2010-1000 resulted in the continued exposure of systems to similar attack vectors. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated KDE components, as this vulnerability represents a common pattern where security remediations fail to address all potential attack surfaces within complex software ecosystems.