CVE-2017-8933 in Libmenu-cache
Summary
by MITRE
Libmenu-cache 1.0.2 insecurely uses /tmp for a socket file, allowing a local user to cause a denial of service (menu unavailability).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8933 affects libmenu-cache version 1.0.2 and represents a security flaw related to improper temporary file handling. This issue specifically manifests when the library creates a socket file in the /tmp directory, which is a common location for temporary files on Unix-like systems. The insecure usage of /tmp for socket file creation creates a predictable path that local attackers can exploit to disrupt the normal operation of menu systems that depend on this library. The vulnerability falls under the category of insecure temporary file handling, which is classified as CWE-377, and represents a significant concern for system stability and availability.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs because libmenu-cache creates a socket file in the /tmp directory without proper security measures to prevent unauthorized access or manipulation. When a local user has write permissions to /tmp, they can create a symbolic link or directly place a file at the same location where the library expects to find its socket file. This allows the attacker to either intercept communications or cause the library to fail in establishing proper connections, ultimately resulting in menu unavailability. The socket file mechanism is typically used for inter-process communication between menu applications and their underlying cache systems, making this vulnerability particularly impactful for desktop environments that rely heavily on menu caching functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service as it can severely affect user experience and system usability within desktop environments. When menu systems become unavailable due to this flaw, users cannot access application menus, system tools, or other graphical interface elements that depend on cached menu data. This affects desktop environments like GNOME, XFCE, and other systems that utilize libmenu-cache for managing application menus and desktop entries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no special privileges beyond local access, making it exploitable by any user with login access to the system, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 for local privilege escalation through system manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of libmenu-cache to version 1.0.3 or later, which addresses the insecure temporary file usage by implementing proper security measures for socket file creation. System administrators should also consider implementing proper file system permissions and access controls for the /tmp directory to limit the ability of local users to manipulate temporary files. Additionally, the use of secure temporary file creation functions that provide atomic operations and proper file permissions can prevent similar issues in other applications. Organizations should also implement monitoring for suspicious activity in temporary directories and consider deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent unauthorized modifications to critical system components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and proper temporary file handling as outlined in industry standards and security frameworks.
This vulnerability represents a classic example of how seemingly minor implementation details in system libraries can create significant security implications. The insecure use of /tmp for socket file creation exemplifies poor security hygiene that can lead to denial of service conditions and user experience degradation. The impact is particularly severe in desktop environments where menu systems are integral to user interaction and system navigation. Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability when evaluating system stability and availability requirements, as it highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of system libraries and components that handle inter-process communication mechanisms. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding guidelines and conducting regular security reviews of system components that interact with temporary file systems and inter-process communication mechanisms.