Overview
kdesu is a interactive interface to the substitute user (su) command for the KDE environment. To pass authentication information, it creates a file that may be read by unauthorized users.
Description
kdesu communicates with su using a socket, implemented as a file in /tmp with a predictable name. In this file is placed authenticating information for the effective user that the kdesu user wishes to become (often root). |
Impact
By using a symbolic link attack, an attacker may be able to capture usernames and passwords. |
Solution
Apply vendor patches; see the Systems Affected section below. |
Creating files in /tmp with appropriate names may block the symbolic link attack, but it may also prevent kdesu from operating properly. It will not be a robust fix. |
Vendor Information
CVSS Metrics
| Group | Score | Vector |
|---|---|---|
| Base | ||
| Temporal | ||
| Environmental |
References
- http://www.calderasystems.com/support/security/advisories/CSSA-2001-005.0.txt
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/2669
- http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/security/2001/MDKSA-2001-046.php3?dis=8.0
- http://www.linuxsecurity.com/advisories/redhat_advisory-1335.html
- http://www.linuxsecurity.com/advisories/other_advisory-1119.html
- http://www.linuxsecurity.com/advisories/suse_advisory-1113.html
Acknowledgements
Initial information on this vulnerability came from a statement by Caldera Systems.
This document was last modified by Tim Shimeall.
Other Information
| CVE IDs: | CVE-2001-0178 |
| Severity Metric: | 8.10 |
| Date Public: | 2001-01-23 |
| Date First Published: | 2001-05-17 |
| Date Last Updated: | 2001-08-01 18:28 UTC |
| Document Revision: | 11 |