CVE-2019-25085 in gvdb
Summary
by MITRE • 12/26/2022
A vulnerability was found in GNOME gvdb. It has been classified as critical. This affects the function gvdb_table_write_contents_async of the file gvdb-builder.c. The manipulation leads to use after free. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. The name of the patch is d83587b2a364eb9a9a53be7e6a708074e252de14. It is recommended to apply a patch to fix this issue. The identifier VDB-216789 was assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-25085 represents a critical use after free flaw within the GNOME gvdb component, specifically affecting the gvdb_table_write_contents_async function in gvdb-builder.c. This vulnerability resides in the gvdb (GNOME Virtual Database) library which serves as a binary format for storing and retrieving structured data within GNOME applications. The flaw manifests when the function processes asynchronous table writing operations, creating conditions where freed memory locations may still be accessed or manipulated, leading to potential arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability's classification as critical stems from its potential for remote exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where GNOME applications might be exposed to untrusted input data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic use after free pattern where memory allocated for table contents is freed during asynchronous processing but subsequently accessed by the same function or related code paths. This memory management error occurs when the gvdb_table_write_contents_async function handles concurrent operations or when cleanup procedures are not properly synchronized with ongoing access patterns. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the memory state through carefully crafted input data that triggers the vulnerable code path, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that malicious actors can trigger this condition through network-based attacks without requiring local access to the target system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to GNOME desktop environments and applications that utilize the gvdb library for data storage and retrieval operations. The impact extends beyond individual applications to potentially compromise entire desktop sessions, as gvdb is used across multiple GNOME components including file managers, configuration tools, and various desktop utilities. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code, escalate privileges, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability affects systems running GNOME versions that incorporate the affected gvdb library, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where GNOME desktops are widely deployed. Organizations utilizing GNOME-based systems must understand that this flaw could be exploited in targeted attacks against desktop environments or through web-based delivery mechanisms that might interact with gvdb components.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2019-25085 centers on applying the specific patch identified by the commit hash d83587b2a364eb9a9a53be7e6a708074e252de14. This patch addresses the memory management issue by ensuring proper synchronization between memory allocation and deallocation during asynchronous table writing operations. System administrators should prioritize applying this patch across all affected GNOME installations and verify that the patch has been properly applied through configuration management tools. Additionally, organizations should implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability's remote nature makes it susceptible to automated scanning and exploitation. The patch implementation should be accompanied by security awareness training for administrators and users to recognize potential indicators of compromise. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use after free conditions, and represents a significant concern for the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and execution tactics, particularly when considering the potential for remote code execution through desktop applications that utilize the affected library.