Midikeys Vulnerability

vendor:

dmedia_eoe.sw.synth

by:

SecurityFocus

7.2

CVSS

HIGH

Setuid Root Executable

264

CWE

Product Name: dmedia_eoe.sw.synth

Affected Version From: N/A

Affected Version To: N/A

Patch Exists: No

Related CWE: N/A

CPE: N/A

Metasploit: N/A

Other Scripts: N/A

Tags: N/A

CVSS Metrics: N/A

Nuclei References: N/A

Nuclei Metadata: N/A

Platforms Tested: Irix 6.2, Irix 6.5

1999

The setuid root 'midikeys' executable can be used to edit arbitrary files via its graphical user interface, granting malicious users root access to the system. Running the midikeys application, clicking in sounds, and then songs will bring up a file dialog. By entering a filename of a known file it will be opened for editing with root privileges. People have reported trouble reproducting the vulnerability when the editor is vi. Alternatively, the WINEDITOR environment variable can be changed to be any command executed as root. Under Irix 6.2, this can be done by going to Toolchest -> Desktop -> Customize -> Desktop -> Default Editor: Other, or under Irix 6.5 in Toolchest -> Desktop -> Customize -> Utilities -> Test Editor: Other. The midikeys window can be opened by running 'midikeys -display remotehost:0'. Under the midikeys window, clicking sounds and then midi songs will open a file manager type interface. The path and filename of files can be entered, including root owned with group/world read/write permissions unset. If a file like '/usr/share/data/music/README' is selected, it will appear in a text editor. The text editor can be used to open /etc/passwd and make modifications at will.

Mitigation:

The midikeys application should be removed from the system, or the setuid bit should be removed from the executable.

Source

Exploit-DB raw data:

source: https://www.securityfocus.com/bid/262/info

The setuid root "midikeys" executable can be used to edit arbitrary files via its graphical user interface. This grants malicious users root access to the system.

Running the midikeys application, clicking in sounds, and then songs will bring up a file dialog. By entering a filename of a known file it will be opened for editing with root privileges.

The packge that midikeys is part of is dmedia_eoe.sw.synth.

People have reported trouble reproducting the vulnerability when the editor is vi. Please try again using some other editor such as gvim or emacs. Alternatively you can change the WINEDITOR environment variable to be any command you want executed as root(e.g. "/bin/chmod 4755 /tmp/sh").

You can change it under Irix 6.2 by going to Toolchest -> Desktop -> Customize -> Desktop -> Default Editor: Other, or under Irix 6.5 in Toolchest -> Desktop -> Customize -> Utilities -> Test Editor: Other.

devel 26% ./midikeys -display remotehost:0

devel 27% Xlib: extension "GLX" missing on display remotehost:0.0". Xlib: extension "GLX" missing on display "remotehost:0.0".

under the midikeys window click sounds and then midi songs. This will open a file manager type interface.

You can enter the path and filename of files you which to read, including root owned with group/world read/write permissions unset.

If you select a file like "/usr/share/data/music/README" it will appear in a text editor. Use the text editor to open /etc/passwd and make modifications at will. Save and enjoy.