iDefense Security Advisory XX.XX.XX
http://labs.idefense.com/intelligence/vulnerabilities/
MMM DD, YYYY

I. BACKGROUND

The X Window System (or X11) is a graphical windowing system used on
Unix-like systems. It is based on a client/server model. More
information about about The X Window system is available at the
following URL.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X_Window_System

II. DESCRIPTION

Local exploitation of an invalid array index vulnerability in the X.Org
X server, as included in various vendors' operating system
distributions, could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with
the privileges of the X server, typically root.

The vulnerability exists within the code responsible for processing
PassMessage requests. The handler for this request takes a 32-bit value
from the client's request, and uses it as an index into an array of
structures. The structure obtained contains an array of function
pointers, and one of them is dereferenced later in the request. By
supplying a large array index, an arbitrary function pointer can be
dereferenced.

The vulnerable code is shown below:

From hw/xfree86/dixmods/extmod/xf86misc.c:ProcXF86MiscPassMessage()

596  if ((retval =
MiscExtPassMessage(stuff->screen,msgtype,msgval,&retstr)) != 0) {

597   xfree(msgtype);

598   xfree(msgval);

599   return retval;

699  }

From hw/xfree86/common/xf86MiscExt.c:MiscExtPassMessage()

567  ScrnInfoPtr pScr = xf86Screens[scrnIndex];

568

569  DEBUG_P("MiscExtPassMessage");

570

571  if (*pScr->HandleMessage == NULL)

572   return BadImplementation;

573  return (*pScr->HandleMessage)(scrnIndex, msgtype, msgval, retstr);

On line 596, the stuff->screen value is passed to the
MiscExtPassMessage() function. On line 567, this value is then used as
an index into the xf86Screens array. One line 573, a function pointer
from this structure is then dereferenced. At no time is the
stuff->screen parameter validated.

III. ANALYSIS

Exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with root
privileges. In order to exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must be
able 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 is 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.

If an X Server is configured to listen for TCP based client connections,
and a client is granted access to create sessions (via the xhosts file),
then the vulnerability can be exploited remotely.

IV. DETECTION

iDefense has confirmed the existence of this vulnerability in X.org X11
version R7.3. Previous versions may also be affected.

V. WORKAROUND

If the XC-MISC extension has not been built-in to the server, then it
can be prevented from loading by inserting the following into the X
configuration file (usually in /etc/X11/xorg.conf):

Section "Module"

        SubSection "extmod"

                Option "omit XC-MISC"

                Option "omit XFree86-Misc"

        EndSubSection

EndSection

To check if the extension is built-in to the server, grep the output of
the X Server log file:

grep built-in /var/log/Xorg.0.log

The result will list all built in extensions. The location of the log
file may need to be changed.

VI. VENDOR RESPONSE

iDefense is currently working with the vendor to address this issue.
Since there is no vendor fix at this time, please handle this
information with sensitivity.

VII. CVE INFORMATION

A Mitre Corp. Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) number has not
been assigned yet.

VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE

XX/XX/XXXX  Initial vendor notification

IX. CREDIT

This vulnerability was reported to iDefense by regenrecht.

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X. LEGAL NOTICES

Copyright © 2007 iDefense, Inc.

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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.