CVE-2019-14744 in KDE Frameworks KConfig
Summary
by MITRE
In KDE Frameworks KConfig before 5.61.0, malicious desktop files and configuration files lead to code execution with minimal user interaction. This relates to libKF5ConfigCore.so, and the mishandling of .desktop and .directory files, as demonstrated by a shell command on an Icon line in a .desktop file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-14744 represents a critical code execution flaw within the KDE Frameworks KConfig library prior to version 5.61.0. This security issue resides in the libKF5ConfigCore.so component which is responsible for handling configuration files and desktop entries within the KDE desktop environment. The flaw manifests when the system processes maliciously crafted .desktop and .directory files, which are standard components used to define application shortcuts and directory entries in Linux desktop environments. The vulnerability specifically exploits the improper handling of these files during the parsing process, creating a path for arbitrary code execution without requiring significant user interaction or privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the insecure processing of shell commands embedded within desktop file attributes, particularly the Icon line which is designed to specify an icon for applications. When a malicious desktop file contains a shell command within its Icon field, the KConfig library fails to properly sanitize or escape this input before executing it, leading to arbitrary command execution. This behavior aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and represents a classic command injection vulnerability. The flaw demonstrates how desktop environment configuration parsers can be exploited when they fail to properly validate and sanitize user-provided input from configuration files.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-14744 extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to perform privilege escalation and system compromise through seemingly benign desktop files. An attacker could distribute malicious .desktop files through various channels including email attachments, file sharing platforms, or compromised websites, where users might unknowingly execute them. The minimal user interaction required for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in social engineering campaigns, as users may simply click on desktop shortcuts or browse directories containing these malicious files. The vulnerability affects all systems running KDE Frameworks KConfig versions prior to 5.61.0, including various Linux distributions that utilize KDE desktop components such as Kubuntu, openSUSE, and other distributions using KDE Plasma desktop environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-14744 primarily focus on updating the affected KDE Frameworks components to version 5.61.0 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms for desktop file processing. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems and implementing strict file access controls for desktop configuration directories. Additional defensive measures include disabling automatic execution of desktop files, implementing file integrity monitoring for configuration directories, and educating users about the risks of executing unknown desktop files. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized desktop file execution. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) as it enables adversaries to execute arbitrary commands through legitimate desktop environment components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure input handling in desktop environments and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of configuration file parsers in desktop frameworks.