iDEFENSE Security Advisory 08.29.05: Adobe Version Cue VCNative Arbitrary File Overwrite Vulnerability

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

  • Next message: iDEFENSE Labs: "iDEFENSE Security Advisory 08.29.05: Symantec AntiVirus 9 Corporate Edition Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability" 
    Date: Mon, 29 Aug 2005 17:26:47 -0400
To: <bugtraq@securityfocus.com>, <vulnwatch@vulnwatch.org>, <full-disclosure@lists.grok.org.uk>

    Adobe Version Cue VCNative Arbitrary File Overwrite Vulnerability

    iDEFENSE Security Advisory 08.29.05
    www.idefense.com/application/poi/display?id=297&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 is vulnerable to a symlink
    attack. The vulnerability specifically exists due to the use of
    predictable log file names. VCNative uses a format such as
    "VCNative-[pid].log" for the filename and stores the file in the
    current working directory. Attackers can easily predict the created
    filename and supply user-controlled data via the "-host" and "- port"
    options. A carefully supplied value can cause a crafted "log file" to
    be written. Crafted strings written to root-owned files can lead to
    arbitrary code execution with root privileges.

    III. ANALYSIS

    Successful exploitation allows local attackers to write to arbitrary
    files with user-supplied data. Data written to the linked file will
    include some corrupted data as well as user-suppplied data, potentially
    corrupting a file completely and preventing the execution of system
    commands. In addition, a carefully crafted input value can be used in
    conjunction with standard system tools such as cron to gain root
    privileges.

    A workaround solution has been provided for this vulnerability. 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-2005-1842 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.

    Get paid for vulnerability research
    http://www.idefense.com/poi/teams/vcp.jsp

    Free tools, research and upcoming events
    http://labs.idefense.com

    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.

  • Next message: iDEFENSE Labs: "iDEFENSE Security Advisory 08.29.05: Symantec AntiVirus 9 Corporate Edition Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability"

    Relevant Pages