#VU6597 Privilege escalation in kdelibs and kauth - CVE-2017-8422

Vulnerability identifier: #VU6597

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 1.9 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:L/VI:L/VA:L/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:P/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2017-8422

CWE-ID: CWE-264

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
kdelibs
Client/Desktop applications / Other client software
kauth
Client/Desktop applications / Other client software

Vendor: KDE.org

Description
The vulnerability allows a local attacker to gain elevated privileges on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to a logic flaw in the affected software. A local attacker could make a specially crafted call, spoof the caller identity and gain root privileges.

Successful exploitation of the vulnerability may result in full access to the system.

Mitigation
Update KDE kauth to version 5.34.
Update KDE kdelibs to version 4.14.32

Vulnerable software versions

kdelibs: 4.12 - 4.14

kauth: 5.31 - 5.33

---

External links
https://www.kde.org/info/security/advisory-20170510-1.txt

---

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.