Vulnerabilities > CVE-2008-2147 - Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls vulnerability in Videolan VLC

047910
CVSS 0.0 - NONE
Attack vector
UNKNOWN
Attack complexity
UNKNOWN
Privileges required
UNKNOWN
Confidentiality impact
UNKNOWN
Integrity impact
UNKNOWN
Availability impact
UNKNOWN
videolan
CWE-264
nessus
NVD
Published: 2008-05-12
Updated: 2023-11-07

Summary

Untrusted search path vulnerability in VideoLAN VLC before 0.9.0 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a malicious library under the modules/ or plugins/ subdirectories of the current working directory.

Vulnerable Configurations

Part Description Count
Application
Videolan
24

Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE)

Common Attack Pattern Enumeration and Classification (CAPEC)

  • Accessing, Modifying or Executing Executable Files
    An attack of this type exploits a system's configuration that allows an attacker to either directly access an executable file, for example through shell access; or in a possible worst case allows an attacker to upload a file and then execute it. Web servers, ftp servers, and message oriented middleware systems which have many integration points are particularly vulnerable, because both the programmers and the administrators must be in synch regarding the interfaces and the correct privileges for each interface.
  • Leverage Executable Code in Non-Executable Files
    An attack of this type exploits a system's trust in configuration and resource files, when the executable loads the resource (such as an image file or configuration file) the attacker has modified the file to either execute malicious code directly or manipulate the target process (e.g. application server) to execute based on the malicious configuration parameters. Since systems are increasingly interrelated mashing up resources from local and remote sources the possibility of this attack occurring is high. The attack can be directed at a client system, such as causing buffer overrun through loading seemingly benign image files, as in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS04-028 where specially crafted JPEG files could cause a buffer overrun once loaded into the browser. Another example targets clients reading pdf files. In this case the attacker simply appends javascript to the end of a legitimate url for a pdf (http://www.gnucitizen.org/blog/danger-danger-danger/) http://path/to/pdf/file.pdf#whatever_name_you_want=javascript:your_code_here The client assumes that they are reading a pdf, but the attacker has modified the resource and loaded executable javascript into the client's browser process. The attack can also target server processes. The attacker edits the resource or configuration file, for example a web.xml file used to configure security permissions for a J2EE app server, adding role name "public" grants all users with the public role the ability to use the administration functionality. The server trusts its configuration file to be correct, but when they are manipulated, the attacker gains full control.
  • Blue Boxing
    This type of attack against older telephone switches and trunks has been around for decades. A tone is sent by an adversary to impersonate a supervisor signal which has the effect of rerouting or usurping command of the line. While the US infrastructure proper may not contain widespread vulnerabilities to this type of attack, many companies are connected globally through call centers and business process outsourcing. These international systems may be operated in countries which have not upgraded Telco infrastructure and so are vulnerable to Blue boxing. Blue boxing is a result of failure on the part of the system to enforce strong authorization for administrative functions. While the infrastructure is different than standard current applications like web applications, there are historical lessons to be learned to upgrade the access control for administrative functions.
  • Restful Privilege Elevation
    Rest uses standard HTTP (Get, Put, Delete) style permissions methods, but these are not necessarily correlated generally with back end programs. Strict interpretation of HTTP get methods means that these HTTP Get services should not be used to delete information on the server, but there is no access control mechanism to back up this logic. This means that unless the services are properly ACL'd and the application's service implementation are following these guidelines then an HTTP request can easily execute a delete or update on the server side. The attacker identifies a HTTP Get URL such as http://victimsite/updateOrder, which calls out to a program to update orders on a database or other resource. The URL is not idempotent so the request can be submitted multiple times by the attacker, additionally, the attacker may be able to exploit the URL published as a Get method that actually performs updates (instead of merely retrieving data). This may result in malicious or inadvertent altering of data on the server.
  • Target Programs with Elevated Privileges
    This attack targets programs running with elevated privileges. The attacker would try to leverage a bug in the running program and get arbitrary code to execute with elevated privileges. For instance an attacker would look for programs that write to the system directories or registry keys (such as HKLM, which stores a number of critical Windows environment variables). These programs are typically running with elevated privileges and have usually not been designed with security in mind. Such programs are excellent exploit targets because they yield lots of power when they break. The malicious user try to execute its code at the same level as a privileged system call.

Nessus

  • NASL familyDebian Local Security Checks
    NASL idDEBIAN_DSA-1819.NASL
    descriptionSeveral vulnerabilities have been discovered in vlc, a multimedia player and streamer. The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures project identifies the following problems : - CVE-2008-1768 Drew Yao discovered that multiple integer overflows in the MP4 demuxer, Real demuxer and Cinepak codec can lead to the execution of arbitrary code. - CVE-2008-1769 Drew Yao discovered that the Cinepak codec is prone to a memory corruption, which can be triggered by a crafted Cinepak file. - CVE-2008-1881 Luigi Auriemma discovered that it is possible to execute arbitrary code via a long subtitle in an SSA file. - CVE-2008-2147 It was discovered that vlc is prone to a search path vulnerability, which allows local users to perform privilege escalations. - CVE-2008-2430 Alin Rad Pop discovered that it is possible to execute arbitrary code when opening a WAV file containing a large fmt chunk. - CVE-2008-3794 Pinar Yanardag discovered that it is possible to execute arbitrary code when opening a crafted mmst link. - CVE-2008-4686 Tobias Klein discovered that it is possible to execute arbitrary code when opening a crafted .ty file. - CVE-2008-5032 Tobias Klein discovered that it is possible to execute arbitrary code when opening an invalid CUE image file with a crafted header.
    last seen2020-06-01
    modified2020-06-02
    plugin id39451
    published2009-06-19
    reporterThis script is Copyright (C) 2009-2019 and is owned by Tenable, Inc. or an Affiliate thereof.
    sourcehttps://www.tenable.com/plugins/nessus/39451
    titleDebian DSA-1819-1 : vlc - several vulnerabilities
    code
    #%NASL_MIN_LEVEL 80502
#
# (C) Tenable Network Security, Inc.
#
# The descriptive text and package checks in this plugin were  
# extracted from Debian Security Advisory DSA-1819. The text 
# itself is copyright (C) Software in the Public Interest, Inc.
#

include("compat.inc");

if (description)
{
  script_id(39451);
  script_version("1.14");
  script_cvs_date("Date: 2019/08/02 13:32:22");

  script_cve_id("CVE-2008-1768", "CVE-2008-1769", "CVE-2008-1881", "CVE-2008-2147", "CVE-2008-2430", "CVE-2008-3794", "CVE-2008-4686", "CVE-2008-5032");
  script_bugtraq_id(32125);
  script_xref(name:"DSA", value:"1819");

  script_name(english:"Debian DSA-1819-1 : vlc - several vulnerabilities");
  script_summary(english:"Checks dpkg output for the updated package");

  script_set_attribute(
    attribute:"synopsis", 
    value:"The remote Debian host is missing a security-related update."
  );
  script_set_attribute(
    attribute:"description", 
    value:
"Several vulnerabilities have been discovered in vlc, a multimedia
player and streamer. The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures project
identifies the following problems :

  - CVE-2008-1768
    Drew Yao discovered that multiple integer overflows in
    the MP4 demuxer, Real demuxer and Cinepak codec can lead
    to the execution of arbitrary code.

  - CVE-2008-1769
    Drew Yao discovered that the Cinepak codec is prone to a
    memory corruption, which can be triggered by a crafted
    Cinepak file.

  - CVE-2008-1881
    Luigi Auriemma discovered that it is possible to execute
    arbitrary code via a long subtitle in an SSA file.

  - CVE-2008-2147
    It was discovered that vlc is prone to a search path
    vulnerability, which allows local users to perform
    privilege escalations.

  - CVE-2008-2430
    Alin Rad Pop discovered that it is possible to execute
    arbitrary code when opening a WAV file containing a
    large fmt chunk.

  - CVE-2008-3794
    Pinar Yanardag discovered that it is possible to
    execute arbitrary code when opening a crafted mmst link.

  - CVE-2008-4686
    Tobias Klein discovered that it is possible to execute
    arbitrary code when opening a crafted .ty file.

  - CVE-2008-5032
    Tobias Klein discovered that it is possible to execute
    arbitrary code when opening an invalid CUE image file
    with a crafted header."
  );
  script_set_attribute(
    attribute:"see_also",
    value:"https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=478140"
  );
  script_set_attribute(
    attribute:"see_also",
    value:"https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=477805"
  );
  script_set_attribute(
    attribute:"see_also",
    value:"https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=489004"
  );
  script_set_attribute(
    attribute:"see_also",
    value:"https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=496265"
  );
  script_set_attribute(
    attribute:"see_also",
    value:"https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=503118"
  );
  script_set_attribute(
    attribute:"see_also",
    value:"https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=504639"
  );
  script_set_attribute(
    attribute:"see_also",
    value:"https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=480724"
  );
  script_set_attribute(
    attribute:"see_also",
    value:"https://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2008-1768"
  );
  script_set_attribute(
    attribute:"see_also",
    value:"https://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2008-1769"
  );
  script_set_attribute(
    attribute:"see_also",
    value:"https://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2008-1881"
  );
  script_set_attribute(
    attribute:"see_also",
    value:"https://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2008-2147"
  );
  script_set_attribute(
    attribute:"see_also",
    value:"https://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2008-2430"
  );
  script_set_attribute(
    attribute:"see_also",
    value:"https://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2008-3794"
  );
  script_set_attribute(
    attribute:"see_also",
    value:"https://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2008-4686"
  );
  script_set_attribute(
    attribute:"see_also",
    value:"https://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2008-5032"
  );
  script_set_attribute(
    attribute:"see_also",
    value:"https://www.debian.org/security/2009/dsa-1819"
  );
  script_set_attribute(
    attribute:"solution", 
    value:
"Upgrade the vlc packages.

For the oldstable distribution (etch), these problems have been fixed
in version 0.8.6-svn20061012.debian-5.1+etch3.

For the stable distribution (lenny), these problems have been fixed in
version 0.8.6.h-4+lenny2, which was already included in the lenny
release."
  );
  script_set_cvss_base_vector("CVSS2#AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C");
  script_set_cvss_temporal_vector("CVSS2#E:F/RL:OF/RC:C");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploitability_ease", value:"Exploits are available");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploit_available", value:"true");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"metasploit_name", value:'VLC Media Player RealText Subtitle Overflow');
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploit_framework_metasploit", value:"true");
  script_cwe_id(119, 189, 264, 399);

  script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_type", value:"local");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"cpe", value:"p-cpe:/a:debian:debian_linux:vlc");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"cpe", value:"cpe:/o:debian:debian_linux:4.0");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"cpe", value:"cpe:/o:debian:debian_linux:5.0");

  script_set_attribute(attribute:"patch_publication_date", value:"2009/06/18");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_publication_date", value:"2009/06/19");
  script_end_attributes();

  script_category(ACT_GATHER_INFO);
  script_copyright(english:"This script is Copyright (C) 2009-2019 and is owned by Tenable, Inc. or an Affiliate thereof.");
  script_family(english:"Debian Local Security Checks");

  script_dependencies("ssh_get_info.nasl");
  script_require_keys("Host/local_checks_enabled", "Host/Debian/release", "Host/Debian/dpkg-l");

  exit(0);
}


include("audit.inc");
include("debian_package.inc");


if (!get_kb_item("Host/local_checks_enabled")) audit(AUDIT_LOCAL_CHECKS_NOT_ENABLED);
if (!get_kb_item("Host/Debian/release")) audit(AUDIT_OS_NOT, "Debian");
if (!get_kb_item("Host/Debian/dpkg-l")) audit(AUDIT_PACKAGE_LIST_MISSING);


flag = 0;
if (deb_check(release:"4.0", prefix:"libvlc0", reference:"0.8.6-svn20061012.debian-5.1+etch3")) flag++;
if (deb_check(release:"4.0", prefix:"libvlc0-dev", reference:"0.8.6-svn20061012.debian-5.1+etch3")) flag++;
if (deb_check(release:"4.0", prefix:"mozilla-plugin-vlc", reference:"0.8.6-svn20061012.debian-5.1+etch3")) flag++;
if (deb_check(release:"4.0", prefix:"vlc", reference:"0.8.6-svn20061012.debian-5.1+etch3")) flag++;
if (deb_check(release:"4.0", prefix:"vlc-nox", reference:"0.8.6-svn20061012.debian-5.1+etch3")) flag++;
if (deb_check(release:"4.0", prefix:"vlc-plugin-alsa", reference:"0.8.6-svn20061012.debian-5.1+etch3")) flag++;
if (deb_check(release:"4.0", prefix:"vlc-plugin-arts", reference:"0.8.6-svn20061012.debian-5.1+etch3")) flag++;
if (deb_check(release:"4.0", prefix:"vlc-plugin-esd", reference:"0.8.6-svn20061012.debian-5.1+etch3")) flag++;
if (deb_check(release:"4.0", prefix:"vlc-plugin-ggi", reference:"0.8.6-svn20061012.debian-5.1+etch3")) flag++;
if (deb_check(release:"4.0", prefix:"vlc-plugin-glide", reference:"0.8.6-svn20061012.debian-5.1+etch3")) flag++;
if (deb_check(release:"4.0", prefix:"vlc-plugin-sdl", reference:"0.8.6-svn20061012.debian-5.1+etch3")) flag++;
if (deb_check(release:"4.0", prefix:"vlc-plugin-svgalib", reference:"0.8.6-svn20061012.debian-5.1+etch3")) flag++;
if (deb_check(release:"4.0", prefix:"wxvlc", reference:"0.8.6-svn20061012.debian-5.1+etch3")) flag++;
if (deb_check(release:"5.0", prefix:"vlc", reference:"0.8.6.h-4+lenny2")) flag++;

if (flag)
{
  if (report_verbosity > 0) security_hole(port:0, extra:deb_report_get());
  else security_hole(0);
  exit(0);
}
else audit(AUDIT_HOST_NOT, "affected");
  • NASL familyGentoo Local Security Checks
    NASL idGENTOO_GLSA-200807-13.NASL
    descriptionThe remote host is affected by the vulnerability described in GLSA-200807-13 (VLC: Multiple vulnerabilities) Remi Denis-Courmont reported that VLC loads plugins from the current working directory in an unsafe manner (CVE-2008-2147). Alin Rad Pop (Secunia Research) reported an integer overflow error in the Open() function in the file modules/demux/wav.c (CVE-2008-2430). Impact : A remote attacker could entice a user to open a specially crafted .wav file, and a local attacker could entice a user to run VLC from a directory containing specially crafted modules, possibly resulting in the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application. Workaround : There is no known workaround at this time.
    last seen2020-06-01
    modified2020-06-02
    plugin id33779
    published2008-08-01
    reporterThis script is Copyright (C) 2008-2019 Tenable Network Security, Inc.
    sourcehttps://www.tenable.com/plugins/nessus/33779
    titleGLSA-200807-13 : VLC: Multiple vulnerabilities
    code
    #%NASL_MIN_LEVEL 80502
#
# (C) Tenable Network Security, Inc.
#
# The descriptive text and package checks in this plugin were
# extracted from Gentoo Linux Security Advisory GLSA 200807-13.
#
# The advisory text is Copyright (C) 2001-2016 Gentoo Foundation, Inc.
# and licensed under the Creative Commons - Attribution / Share Alike 
# license. See http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
#

include("compat.inc");

if (description)
{
  script_id(33779);
  script_version("1.16");
  script_cvs_date("Date: 2019/08/02 13:32:45");

  script_cve_id("CVE-2008-2147", "CVE-2008-2430");
  script_xref(name:"GLSA", value:"200807-13");

  script_name(english:"GLSA-200807-13 : VLC: Multiple vulnerabilities");
  script_summary(english:"Checks for updated package(s) in /var/db/pkg");

  script_set_attribute(
    attribute:"synopsis", 
    value:
"The remote Gentoo host is missing one or more security-related
patches."
  );
  script_set_attribute(
    attribute:"description", 
    value:
"The remote host is affected by the vulnerability described in GLSA-200807-13
(VLC: Multiple vulnerabilities)

    Remi Denis-Courmont reported that VLC loads plugins from the
    current working directory in an unsafe manner (CVE-2008-2147).
    Alin Rad Pop (Secunia Research) reported an integer overflow error
    in the Open() function in the file modules/demux/wav.c
    (CVE-2008-2430).
  
Impact :

    A remote attacker could entice a user to open a specially crafted .wav
    file, and a local attacker could entice a user to run VLC from a
    directory containing specially crafted modules, possibly resulting in
    the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running
    the application.
  
Workaround :

    There is no known workaround at this time."
  );
  script_set_attribute(
    attribute:"see_also",
    value:"https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/200807-13"
  );
  script_set_attribute(
    attribute:"solution", 
    value:
"All VLC users should upgrade to the latest version:
    # emerge --sync
    # emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose '>=media-video/vlc-0.8.6i'"
  );
  script_set_cvss_base_vector("CVSS2#AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C");
  script_cwe_id(189, 264);

  script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_type", value:"local");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"cpe", value:"p-cpe:/a:gentoo:linux:vlc");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"cpe", value:"cpe:/o:gentoo:linux");

  script_set_attribute(attribute:"patch_publication_date", value:"2008/07/31");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_publication_date", value:"2008/08/01");
  script_end_attributes();

  script_category(ACT_GATHER_INFO);
  script_copyright(english:"This script is Copyright (C) 2008-2019 Tenable Network Security, Inc.");
  script_family(english:"Gentoo Local Security Checks");

  script_dependencies("ssh_get_info.nasl");
  script_require_keys("Host/local_checks_enabled", "Host/Gentoo/release", "Host/Gentoo/qpkg-list");

  exit(0);
}


include("audit.inc");
include("global_settings.inc");
include("qpkg.inc");

if (!get_kb_item("Host/local_checks_enabled")) audit(AUDIT_LOCAL_CHECKS_NOT_ENABLED);
if (!get_kb_item("Host/Gentoo/release")) audit(AUDIT_OS_NOT, "Gentoo");
if (!get_kb_item("Host/Gentoo/qpkg-list")) audit(AUDIT_PACKAGE_LIST_MISSING);


flag = 0;

if (qpkg_check(package:"media-video/vlc", unaffected:make_list("ge 0.8.6i"), vulnerable:make_list("lt 0.8.6i"))) flag++;

if (flag)
{
  if (report_verbosity > 0) security_hole(port:0, extra:qpkg_report_get());
  else security_hole(0);
  exit(0);
}
else
{
  tested = qpkg_tests_get();
  if (tested) audit(AUDIT_PACKAGE_NOT_AFFECTED, tested);
  else audit(AUDIT_PACKAGE_NOT_INSTALLED, "VLC");
}

References