CVE-2016-6232 in KArchive
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in KArchive before 5.24, as used in KDE Frameworks, allows remote attackers to write to arbitrary files via a ../ (dot dot slash) in a filename in an archive file, related to KNewsstuff downloads.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2022
The CVE-2016-6232 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the KArchive library component of KDE Frameworks, affecting versions prior to 5.24. This vulnerability specifically impacts the handling of archive file extraction processes where the software fails to properly validate or sanitize file paths contained within archive files. The flaw manifests when processing archive contents that contain filenames with ../ sequences, which are standard Unix-style path traversal indicators. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious archive files containing such path traversal sequences, enabling them to write files outside of the intended extraction directory. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects KNewsstuff downloads, indicating that the flaw can be triggered during the processing of news-related archive files, potentially compromising systems that handle such content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the archive extraction logic of KArchive. When the library processes archive files, it does not sufficiently sanitize the filenames contained within these archives, allowing malicious path sequences to bypass security checks. The ../ traversal sequences are typically used to navigate up directory levels in file systems, and in this case, the vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the extraction path to write files to arbitrary locations on the target system. This flaw falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal or Directory Traversal. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper path validation that enables attackers to escape the intended directory boundaries during file operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-6232 extends beyond simple file system manipulation, as it can potentially lead to arbitrary code execution or system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can overwrite critical system files, inject malicious code into existing applications, or create backdoor access points. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where automated archive processing occurs, such as news aggregation systems, content management platforms, or any application that automatically extracts archive files from untrusted sources. The attack surface is broadened by the fact that this vulnerability affects KDE Frameworks components, which are widely used across various Linux distributions and applications that rely on KDE technologies for their file handling capabilities. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078.004 for Valid Accounts, as exploitation may involve creating malicious files in system directories or leveraging compromised applications to execute code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-6232 primarily focus on upgrading to KArchive version 5.24 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the directory traversal vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly, particularly those running KDE Frameworks components or applications that utilize KArchive functionality. Additional protective measures include implementing strict file path validation at the application level, restricting write permissions for archive extraction directories, and employing sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file system modifications or unauthorized file creation activities, especially in directories where archive extraction occurs. Network-level controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional layers of protection by blocking suspicious archive file transfers or analyzing archive contents for known malicious patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input sanitization and the principle of least privilege in file system operations, emphasizing that all file path handling should be validated against a whitelist of acceptable directories and characters to prevent unauthorized access to system resources.