CVE-2023-49344 in budgie-window-shuffler
Summary
by MITRE • 12/15/2023
Temporary data passed between application components by Budgie Extras Window Shuffler applet could potentially be viewed or manipulated. The data is stored in a location that is accessible to any user who has local access to the system. Attackers may pre-create and control this file to present false information to users or deny access to the application and panel.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2024
The CVE-2023-49344 vulnerability affects the Budgie Extras Window Shuffler applet, a component of the Budgie desktop environment for linux systems. This flaw represents a critical security weakness in how temporary data is handled between application components, creating an avenue for privilege escalation and information disclosure attacks. The vulnerability specifically targets the temporary data storage mechanism used by the window shuffler functionality that allows users to rearrange application windows within the desktop environment. The issue stems from inadequate access controls on temporary file storage locations that are accessible to all local users on the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the applet creating temporary files in locations that lack proper file system permissions or access controls. These temporary data stores contain information that represents the current state of window arrangements and user preferences. The flaw allows any local user with access to the system to read or modify these temporary files, effectively enabling them to manipulate the data that the window shuffler applet relies upon for its operation. This creates a scenario where an attacker can pre-create malicious temporary files and control the information presented to legitimate users, potentially leading to confusion or system manipulation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to system integrity and user trust. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure to include potential denial of service conditions where attackers can prevent legitimate users from accessing the window shuffler functionality entirely. The vulnerability operates at the local system level, meaning that any user with local access can exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or shared computing scenarios. This type of flaw can be leveraged as part of broader attack chains where initial access is gained through other means, and the vulnerability is used to maintain persistence or escalate privileges within the local environment.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-732, which addresses inadequate permissions for critical resources, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege. From an attack framework perspective, this issue can be categorized under the attack technique of privilege escalation and information disclosure, potentially supporting broader adversarial activities within the ATT&CK framework. The weakness creates an attack surface that allows for both passive information gathering and active manipulation of user interfaces, making it particularly concerning for desktop environments where user interaction with application components is frequent. Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper file system permissions, using secure temporary file creation mechanisms, and ensuring that all temporary data storage locations are properly isolated from unauthorized access. System administrators should also consider implementing monitoring for unauthorized access to temporary file locations and ensure that all desktop environment components follow secure coding practices that prevent such vulnerabilities from occurring in the future.