CVE-2012-6076 in Inkscape
Summary
by MITRE
Inkscape before 0.48.4 reads .eps files from /tmp instead of the current directory, which might cause Inkspace to process unintended files, allow local users to obtain sensitive information, and possibly have other unspecified impacts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-6076 affects Inkscape versions prior to 0.48.4 and represents a critical security flaw related to file processing behavior within the vector graphics application. This issue stems from an improper handling of file paths during the processing of encapsulated postscript files, creating a significant attack surface for local privilege escalation and information disclosure scenarios.
The technical flaw manifests in Inkscape's file resolution mechanism where the application incorrectly prioritizes reading .eps files from the /tmp directory over the current working directory. This path resolution behavior creates a race condition vulnerability that allows local attackers to place malicious .eps files in the /tmp directory, which the application will subsequently process instead of the intended files in the current directory. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the file system level and can be exploited without requiring elevated privileges beyond those of a regular user account.
This flaw directly relates to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate the application's file processing behavior by exploiting the predictable nature of the /tmp directory's accessibility and the application's failure to properly validate file origins. The security implications extend beyond simple information disclosure to potentially allow arbitrary code execution if the attacker can control the contents of the malicious .eps file.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for users who frequently work with vector graphics files and may inadvertently process files from untrusted sources. Attackers can leverage this weakness to access sensitive information that might be embedded within .eps files, particularly if those files contain embedded scripts or data that could reveal system information, user credentials, or other confidential data. The vulnerability also creates potential for privilege escalation scenarios where local users might exploit the flawed path resolution to execute unintended operations or access restricted system resources.
The attack vector for this vulnerability requires local system access and involves placing malicious files in the /tmp directory, which is typically world-writable and accessible to all users on the system. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where attackers can exploit the weakness without requiring network access or complex exploitation techniques. The vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK framework as a privilege escalation technique, specifically related to the use of local files and system resources to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or system capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include upgrading to Inkscape version 0.48.4 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the improper file path handling. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as restricting write access to the /tmp directory, monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns, and ensuring that users do not have unnecessary permissions to modify system directories. Regular security audits of file processing applications should be conducted to identify similar path traversal vulnerabilities that might exist in other software components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices when handling file operations, particularly in applications that process user-supplied data from potentially untrusted sources.