CVE-2013-4668 in file-roller
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in File Roller 3.6.x before 3.6.4, 3.8.x before 3.8.3, and 3.9.x before 3.9.3, when libarchive is used, allows remote attackers to create arbitrary files via a crafted archive that is not properly handled in a "Keep directory structure" action, related to fr-archive-libarchive.c and fr-window.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4668 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting File Roller, a popular file archiving utility for the GNOME desktop environment. This vulnerability specifically impacts versions of File Roller running 3.6.x prior to 3.6.4, 3.8.x prior to 3.8.3, and 3.9.x prior to 3.9.3, when the application utilizes the libarchive library for archive handling operations. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the archive extraction process, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the file system through crafted archive files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the fr-archive-libarchive.c and fr-window.c source code files, where the application fails to properly validate file paths during archive extraction operations. When users select the "Keep directory structure" option while extracting archives, the application processes directory paths without sufficient sanitization measures, allowing attackers to inject malicious path sequences that can traverse beyond the intended extraction directory. This weakness is categorized under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks. The vulnerability leverages the libarchive library's handling of archive contents, where maliciously crafted archive entries containing sequences like ../ or ..\ can be interpreted by File Roller's extraction logic as valid paths that bypass normal directory restrictions.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-4668 extends beyond simple file system manipulation, as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary file creation operations on targeted systems. An attacker could potentially overwrite critical system files, create backdoor executables, or establish persistent access points within the victim's file system. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that users could be compromised simply by opening or extracting a maliciously crafted archive file, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently handle untrusted archive files. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which describes the use of archive and compression tools for execution and persistence, and T1074.001, which covers data staging through the use of archive files. The vulnerability affects desktop environments where File Roller is the default archive handling application, potentially impacting users across various Linux distributions that ship with this utility.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4668 primarily focus on immediate software updates to patched versions of File Roller, specifically versions 3.6.4, 3.8.3, and 3.9.3 respectively. System administrators should prioritize patch management to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary updates that address the path traversal logic in the archive handling components. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict file access controls, monitoring archive extraction operations for suspicious path patterns, and educating users about the risks of opening untrusted archive files. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious archive content patterns. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation in file handling operations and demonstrates how seemingly benign archive extraction features can become attack vectors when proper security controls are not implemented. Security teams should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected versions of File Roller and ensure that all users are aware of the potential risks associated with handling untrusted archive files.