CVE-2011-1588 in Thunar
Summary
by MITRE
Thunar 1.2 through 1.2.1 could crash when copy and pasting a file name with % format characters due to a format string error.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1588 affects Thunar file manager versions 1.2 through 1.2.1, presenting a critical format string error that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system crash. This flaw stems from improper handling of format specifiers within user-provided input strings, specifically when copying and pasting filenames containing percent (%) characters. The issue manifests when Thunar processes filenames that contain format string specifiers such as %s, %d, or %x, which are typically used to control output formatting in C programming languages. When these characters appear in filenames, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape them before processing, creating a classic format string vulnerability that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the application's string formatting functions where it directly uses user-controllable data without proper validation or sanitization. According to CWE-134, this corresponds to a format string vulnerability where a program uses user input as a format string parameter to functions like printf or sprintf without proper verification. The vulnerability operates by allowing an attacker to inject format specifiers into filenames that are subsequently processed by Thunar's internal functions, potentially leading to information disclosure, stack corruption, or arbitrary code execution depending on the specific implementation details. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables manipulation of command execution paths through crafted input.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-1588 extends beyond simple application instability, as it represents a potential gateway for more serious security breaches within desktop environments. When a user copies and pastes a filename containing malicious format specifiers, the vulnerability can cause Thunar to crash or behave unpredictably, potentially allowing an attacker to gain control over the application's execution flow. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where attackers might attempt to exploit it through social engineering or by crafting specially designed filenames in shared directories. The crash behavior can be leveraged for denial of service attacks against the file manager, while the underlying format string flaw could potentially be extended to achieve privilege escalation or remote code execution depending on how the application handles the corrupted execution flow.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1588 require immediate patching of Thunar to version 1.2.2 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and format string handling. System administrators should implement strict file naming conventions that prevent the use of format specifiers in filenames, particularly in shared or public directories. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting controls to restrict the execution of potentially vulnerable applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in application design, as highlighted in industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST SP 800-53 security controls. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include verification of format string vulnerabilities in all file handling components, as this class of vulnerability remains prevalent in legacy applications and can be particularly challenging to detect through automated scanning alone.