Portcullis Security Advisory - 09-002


Vulnerable System:

KDE


Vulnerability Title:

Ark Default View Allows JavaScript Injection.


Vulnerability Discovery And Development:

Portcullis Security Testing Services.


Credit For Discovery:

Tim Brown - Portcullis Computer Security Ltd.


Affected systems:

All known versions of KDE; the vulnerability discovered was for version 3.5.7.


Details:

It is possible for an attacker to create an archive containing files of an unknown MIME type such that whilst the files may have a harmless looking extension, attempting to open them will lead to them being rendered using an embedded KHTML instance. When the user tries to open the attachment it will be opened and any included JavaScript will be executed.

Impact:

In the worst case, an attacker may be able to use this to execute malicious code on a visitors computers. Portcullis agree with KDE's assessment that exploitation of these vulnerabilities is unlikely, however we are concerned about the fact that active content may be executed in cases where the user does not expect it.


Exploit:

The proof of concept exploit code is available.


Vendor Status:

10/07/2007 - Vendors sent copy of an initial paper "Kreating HavoK"
12/07/2007 - Trolltech & KDE respond
16/07/2007 - Trolltech issue patch for format string vulnerability (CVE-2007-3388) identified in paper
19/07/2007 - Trolltech provide update on their response
27/07/2007 - Trolltech publish their advisory

Throughout 2007, further discussions are held between Portullis and KDE via IRC but due to work on KDE 4.x no resolutions are forthcoming. Portcullis agree to hold back until such time as KDE can reasonably respond.

20/12/2008 - Due to the extended period of non-disclosure, in late 2008 Portcullis decide to resubmit the problems as a series of advisories
18/02/2009 - Portcullis contact oCERT and KDE asking for help from oCERT to coordinate disclosure
05/03/2009 - oCERT & KDE respond asking for proof of concepts

Portcullis provide proof of concept exploits and discuss the issue in depth with representatives of KDE and oCERT via IRC and email. KDE confirm they have disabled JavaScript within Ark's default view

04/11/2009 - Advisory published. Portcullis would like to thank Richard Moore and David Faure from KDE and Andrea Barisani from oCERT


Copyright:

Copyright � Portcullis Computer Security Limited 2009, All rights reserved worldwide.
Permission is hereby granted for the electronic redistribution of this information. It is not to be edited or altered in any way without the express written consent of Portcullis Computer Security Limited.


Disclaimer:

The information herein contained may change without notice. Use of this information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition. There are NO warranties, implied or otherwise, with regard to this information or its use. Any use of this information is at the user's risk. In no event shall the author/distributor (Portcullis Computer Security Limited) be held liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of or in connection with the use or spread of this information.