[VulnWatch] iDEFENSE Security Advisory 08.29.05: Adobe Version Cue VCNative Arbitrary Library Loading Vulnerability

From: iDEFENSE Labs (labs-no-reply_at_idefense.com)
Date: 08/29/05

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    Date: Mon, 29 Aug 2005 17:26:09 -0400
To: <bugtraq@securityfocus.com>, <vulnwatch@vulnwatch.org>, <full-disclosure@lists.grok.org.uk>

    Adobe Version Cue VCNative Arbitrary Library Loading Vulnerability

    iDEFENSE Security Advisory 08.29.05
    www.idefense.com/application/poi/display?id=296&type=vulnerabilities
    August 29, 2005

    I. BACKGROUND

    Adobe Version Cue is a software version tracking system for Adobe
    products distributed with Adobe Creative Suite and select Adobe
    products.

    II. DESCRIPTION

    Local exploitation of a design error in Adobe Systems, Inc. Version Cue
    allows local attackers to gain root privileges. Version Cue includes a
    setuid root application named VCNative which contains a design error
    that allows local attackers to gain root privileges. The vulnerability
    specifically exists due to an unchecked command line option parameter.
    The "-lib" command line option allows users to specify library
    "bundles" which allows for the introduction of arbitrary code in the
    context of a root owned process. The init function in a shared library
    is executed immediately upon loading. By utilizing the "-lib" argument
    to load a malicious library, local attackers can execute arbitrary code
    with root privileges.

    III. ANALYSIS

    Successful exploitation allows local attackers to execute arbitrary
    code with root privileges. The attack method is trivial and requires no
    specialized exploit code or skill by the attacker. Simply compiling a
    shared library with malicious code is all that is required to gain
    control of the system.

    It should be noted that VCNative must connect to a valid host before
    loading libraries. The vulnerability is not exposed if VCNative has not
    been configured with a proper host value. In addition, the
    vulnerability affects only the Apple OS X platform and is only
    installed with Adobe Creative Suite or other Adobe products.

    IV. DETECTION

    iDEFENSE Labs has confirmed the existence of this vulnerability in
    Adobe Version Cue version 1 on the Apple OS X platform.

    V. WORKAROUND

    As a workaround solution, remove the setuid bit from the VCNative
    binary and execute the application as a root user when necessary.

    VI. VENDOR RESPONSE

    Adobe Version Cue Update 2 which addresses this vulnerability, is
    available for download at:

      http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=2985

    The vendor advisory for this vulnerability is located at:

      http://www.adobe.com/support/techdocs/327129.html

    VII. CVE INFORMATION

    The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the
    name CAN-2005-1843 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in
    the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org), which standardizes names for
    security problems.

    VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE

    06/27/2005 Initial vendor notification
    06/27/2005 Initial vendor response
    08/29/2005 Public disclosure

    IX. CREDIT

    vade79 (http://fakehalo.us) is credited with this discovery.

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    X. LEGAL NOTICES

    Copyright (c) 2005 iDEFENSE, Inc.

    Permission is granted for the redistribution of this alert
    electronically. It may not be edited in any way without the express
    written consent of iDEFENSE. If you wish to reprint the whole or any
    part of this alert in any other medium other than electronically, please
    email customerservice@idefense.com for permission.

    Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate
    at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use
    of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition.
    There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the
    author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct, indirect,
    or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or reliance on,
    this information.

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