Vulnerability discovery and development:
Portcullis Security Testing Services
Credit for Discovery:
Tim Brown – Portcullis Computer Security Ltd.
All known versions of KDE; the vulnerability discovered was for version 3.5.7
In the worst case, an attacker may be able to use this to execute malicious code on a visitors computers. Portcullis agree with KDE’s assessment that exploitation of these vulnerabilities is unlikely, however we are concerned about the fact that active content may be executed in cases where the user does not expect it.
The proof of concept exploit code is available
10/07/2007 – Vendors sent copy of an initial paper “Kreating HavoK”
12/07/2007 – Trolltech & KDE respond
16/07/2007 – Trolltech issue patch for format string vulnerability (CVE-2007-3388) identified in paper
19/07/2007 – Trolltech provide update on their response
27/07/2007 – Trolltech publish their advisory
Throughout 2007, further discussions are held between Portullis and KDE via IRC but due to work on KDE 4.x no resolutions are forthcoming. Portcullis agree to hold back until such time as KDE can reasonably respond.
20/12/2008 – Due to the extended period of non-disclosure, in late 2008 Portcullis decide to resubmit the problems as a series of advisories
18/02/2009 – Portcullis contact oCERT and KDE asking for help from oCERT to coordinate disclosure
05/03/2009 – oCERT & KDE respond asking for proof of concepts
04/11/2009 – Advisory published. Portcullis would like to thank Richard Moore and David Faure from KDE and Andrea Barisani from oCERT
Permission is hereby granted for the electronic redistribution of this information. It is not to be edited or altered in any way without the express written consent of Portcullis Computer Security Limited.