CVE-2012-3355 in Rhythmbox
Summary
by MITRE
(1) AlbumTab.py, (2) ArtistTab.py, (3) LinksTab.py, and (4) LyricsTab.py in the Context module in GNOME Rhythmbox 0.13.3 and earlier allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a symlink attack on a temporary HTML template file in the /tmp/context directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3355 represents a critical security flaw in GNOME Rhythmbox version 0.13.3 and earlier, specifically within the Context module's handling of temporary files. This issue affects four distinct Python script files including AlbumTab.py, ArtistTab.py, LinksTab.py, and LyricsTab.py which collectively manage the display of contextual information for music tracks within the media player interface. The vulnerability stems from inadequate file handling practices that create exploitable conditions for local privilege escalation attacks.
The technical exploitation occurs through a carefully crafted symlink attack against temporary HTML template files stored in the /tmp/context directory. When the Context module processes user requests for album, artist, links, or lyrics information, it creates temporary HTML files in the /tmp/context directory without proper validation of the file paths or ensuring the safety of the temporary file creation process. An attacker with local access can manipulate the system by creating symbolic links in the /tmp/context directory that point to sensitive system files or scripts, thereby tricking the application into executing malicious code with elevated privileges.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-377: Insecure Temporary File and CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory. The flaw enables an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the GNOME Rhythmbox application, which typically runs with user-level permissions but can potentially escalate to system-level access depending on the system configuration. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only local access and leverages the application's legitimate file creation behavior to achieve privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security model and demonstrates poor sandboxing practices. Attackers can potentially gain access to sensitive user data, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors through this attack vector. The vulnerability affects all users of GNOME Rhythmbox versions 0.13.3 and earlier, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may not be security-aware or where system administrators have not applied security patches.
According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1059.007: Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python, as it involves the execution of malicious code through Python-based components, and T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, since the attack targets local privilege escalation. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires no network access and can be executed entirely within the local system environment, making it particularly difficult to detect and prevent through traditional network-based security measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3355 should focus on immediate patching of the GNOME Rhythmbox application to version 0.13.4 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. System administrators should also implement proper file permissions and directory isolation for temporary file locations, particularly the /tmp/context directory. Additional protective measures include monitoring for suspicious symbolic link creation in temporary directories, implementing proper file path validation, and ensuring that applications do not create temporary files in world-writable directories. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in preventing privilege escalation attacks through improper file handling and underscores the necessity of following security guidelines such as those outlined in the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) secure coding practices for temporary file management.