CVE-2014-9513 in xbindkeys-config
Summary
by MITRE
Insecure use of temporary files in xbindkeys-config 0.1.3-2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9513 represents a critical security flaw in xbindkeys-config version 0.1.3-2 that exposes systems to remote code execution attacks through improper temporary file handling. This issue arises from the application's insecure creation and management of temporary files during its operation, creating exploitable conditions that adversaries can leverage from remote locations. The vulnerability specifically affects the configuration utility used for managing keyboard bindings in X Window System environments, making it particularly concerning for desktop and server systems that rely on such configuration tools. The flaw demonstrates a classic security misconfiguration that undermines the integrity of the application's temporary file operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly secure temporary file creation processes, which follows patterns commonly associated with CWE-377 - Insecure Temporary File Creation and CWE-378 - Use of Insecure Temporary Files. When xbindkeys-config generates temporary files, it does not adequately implement secure file creation practices such as using proper permissions, unique naming conventions, or atomic creation mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this by creating symbolic links or manipulating the temporary file creation sequence to redirect the application's operations to malicious files, effectively allowing remote code execution with the privileges of the user running the application. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, where adversaries can leverage insecure file operations to execute malicious payloads.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-9513 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full system compromise when exploited remotely. An attacker with network access to a system running vulnerable xbindkeys-config can potentially execute arbitrary code on the target machine, leading to data theft, system modification, or further lateral movement within a network. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote exploitation without requiring local access, making it an attractive target for automated attacks. Systems that use xbindkeys-config for keyboard binding management, including desktop environments, kiosks, and server configurations, become vulnerable to this attack vector. The remote execution capability means that attackers can compromise systems from anywhere on the network, significantly expanding the potential attack surface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9513 should focus on immediate patching of the vulnerable xbindkeys-config application to version 0.1.3-3 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes for temporary file handling. Organizations should also implement temporary workarounds such as restricting network access to systems running xbindkeys-config, disabling the application when not actively needed, or implementing proper file permission controls on temporary directories. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious temporary file creation patterns or unauthorized symbolic link modifications. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing privilege separation techniques and ensuring that applications running with elevated privileges do not create temporary files in world-writable directories. The fix addresses the underlying CWE-377 and CWE-378 issues through proper temporary file creation mechanisms that prevent attackers from manipulating the file creation process. Organizations should also conduct vulnerability assessments to identify other applications with similar temporary file handling issues and ensure compliance with secure coding practices that prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future.