Multiple Vendor X Server CID-keyed Fonts 'scan_cidfont()' Integer Overflow Vulnerability iDefense Security Advisory 09.12.06 http://www.idefense.com/intelligence/vulnerabilities/ Sep 12, 2006 I. BACKGROUND The X Window System is a graphical windowing system based on a client/server model. More information about about The X Window system is available at the following link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X_Window_System II. DESCRIPTION Local exploitation of an integer overflow vulnerability in the 'scan_cidfont()' function in the X.Org and XFree86 X server could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with privileges of the X server, typically root. The vulnerability specifically exists in the handling of 'CMap' and 'CIDFont' font data. When parsing this information no checks are made that the count of items for the 'begincodespacerange', 'cidrange' and 'notdefrange' sections. In addition to a 'standard' integer overflow, the implementation of 'vm_alloc()' makes it possible to overwrite memory before the allocated region. III. ANALYSIS Successful local exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary as the root user. In order to exploit this vulnerability an attacker would require the ability to send commands to an affected X server. This typically requires access to the console, or access to the same account as a user who is on the console. One method of gaining the required access would be to remotely exploit a vulnerability in, for example, a graphical web browser. This would then allow an attacker to exploit this vulnerability and elevate their privileges to root. IV. DETECTION iDefense has confirmed the existence of this vulnerability in the X.org server version 6.8.2. Analysis of the source code for the current versions of the X.org and XFree86 servers indicates that current versions of both are vulnerable. Previous versions may also be affected. V. WORKAROUND Access to the vulnerable code can be prevented by removing the entry for the Type1 font module from your Xservers configuration file, often stored in /etc/X11 and named xorg.conf or XF86Config-4. To do this, remove the following line from the 'Module' section: Load "type1" This will prevent Type 1 fonts from loading, which may affect the appearance or operation of some applications. VI. VENDOR RESPONSE The X.Org foundation has addressed this vulnerability with libXfont version 1.2.1. Additionally, patches have been made available for older releases. " The XFree86 Project Inc. is making available a source patch available at ftp://xfree86.org/pub/XFree86/4.6.0/fixes/fix-01 that, in part, addresses this vulnerability. " VII. CVE INFORMATION The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the name CVE-2006-3740 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 08/25/2006 Initial vendor notification 08/25/2005 Initial vendor response (X.Org) 09/10/2006 Initial vendor response (XFree86) 09/12/2006 Coordinated public disclosure IX. CREDIT The discoverer of this vulnerability wishes to remain anonymous. Get paid for vulnerability research http://www.idefense.com/methodology/vulnerability/vcp.php Free tools, research and upcoming events http://labs.idefense.com/ X. LEGAL NOTICES Copyright © 2006 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.