CVE-2014-2079 in X File Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
X File Explorer (aka xfe) might allow local users to bypass intended access restrictions and gain access to arbitrary files by leveraging failure to use directory masks when creating files on Samba and NFS shares.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2079 affects X File Explorer, commonly known as xfe, which is a file manager application for the X Window System. This flaw represents a significant security weakness that could potentially allow local attackers to circumvent access controls and gain unauthorized access to files on network shares. The vulnerability specifically manifests when xfe creates files on Samba and NFS network shares, where the application fails to properly implement directory masks during the file creation process. This technical oversight creates a pathway for privilege escalation and unauthorized file access that could compromise the integrity of networked file systems.
The core technical flaw lies in xfe's improper handling of file creation permissions when working with networked storage systems. When the application attempts to create files on Samba or NFS shares, it does not adequately enforce directory access controls that should normally restrict file operations to authorized users. This failure to implement proper directory masking allows local users to potentially create files with unintended permissions or access levels, effectively bypassing the security mechanisms that should normally protect shared resources. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of file system permissions and network share management, creating a gap where local users can exploit the application's lack of proper access control enforcement.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, potentially enabling attackers to manipulate or compromise sensitive data stored on network shares. An attacker could leverage this weakness to place malicious files on shared drives, modify existing files with elevated permissions, or create backdoors that persist across system sessions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Samba and NFS shares are commonly used for file sharing and collaboration, as it could allow local users to escalate their privileges and gain access to resources they would normally be restricted from accessing. This creates a potential vector for data exfiltration, system compromise, and persistent access to networked resources.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions, and align it with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access. The vulnerability demonstrates how application-level flaws in file management can create persistent security risks in networked environments. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating xfe to patched versions, implementing proper access controls on network shares, and monitoring for unauthorized file creation activities on shared resources. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network segmentation, restricting local user privileges, and establishing regular audits of file system permissions on network shares to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. The issue underscores the importance of proper permission handling in applications that interact with networked file systems and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of file management utilities in enterprise environments.