KDE VCF file information reader vulnerability

KDE Security Advisory: VCF file information reader vulnerability
Original Release Date: 2004-01-14
URL: http://www.kde.org/info/security/advisory-20040114-1.txt

0. References

1. Systems affected:

All versions of kdepim as distributed with KDE versions 3.1.0 through 3.1.4 inclusive.

2. Overview:

The KDE team has found a buffer overflow in the file information reader of VCF files.

The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures project (cve.mitre.org) has assigned the name CAN-2003-0988 to this issue.

3. Impact:

A carefully crafted .VCF file potentially enables local attackers to compromise the privacy of a victim's data or execute arbitrary commands with the victim's privileges.

By default, file information reading is disabled for remote files. However, if previews are enabled for remote files, remote attackers may be able to compromise the victim's account.

4. Solution:

As a workaround, remove the kfile_vcf.desktop file.

Users of KDE 3.1.x are advised to upgrade to KDE 3.1.5. A patch for KDE 3.1.4 is available for users who are unable to upgrade to KDE 3.1.5.

5. Patch:

A patch for KDE 3.1.4 is available from ftp://ftp.kde.org/pub/kde/security_patches :

26469366cc393e50ff80d6dca8c74c58 post-3.1.4-kdepim-kfile-plugins.diff

6. Time line and credits:

15/12/2003 KDE developer Dirk Mueller discovers vulnerability.

15/12/2003 Patches for the vulnerability are applied to CVS and release preparations for KDE 3.1.5 are started.

14/01/2004 Public advisory.