Netscape iPlanet iCal 'xhost -' Vulnerability

BID:1767

Info

Netscape iPlanet iCal 'xhost -' Vulnerability

Bugtraq ID: 1767
Class: Configuration Error
CVE:
Remote: Yes
Local: Yes
Published: Oct 10 2000 12:00AM
Updated: Oct 10 2000 12:00AM
Credit: This vulnerability was discovered by @stake, Inc. and posted to the Bugtraq mailing list on Mon, 9 Oct 2000.
Vulnerable: Netscape iCal 2.1 Patch2
- Sun Solaris 2.6
Not Vulnerable:

Discussion

Netscape iPlanet iCal 'xhost -' Vulnerability

Netscape's iPlanet iCal application is a network based calendar service built for deployment in organizations which require a centralized calendar system. Certain versions of iCal ship with
a vulnerability introduced in the installation process which effectively removes Xserver authentication on the machine which it is installed on.

When using the GUI for installation (the only documented option) the set up process issues an 'xhost - ' command which disables the Xserver's access control lists. This allows remote users to connect to the Xserver and hijack connections, monitor key strokes etc.

Exploit / POC

Netscape iPlanet iCal 'xhost -' Vulnerability

Currently the SecurityFocus staff are not aware of any exploits for this issue. If you feel we are in error or are aware of more recent information, please mail us at: [email protected].

Solution / Fix

Netscape iPlanet iCal 'xhost -' Vulnerability

Solution:
It is suggested you launch the installation with the '-nodisplay' flag to avoid this problem for current versions of the software. The iPlanet Calendar Server 5.0 which is scheduled for future release (it is not yet released as of October 10, 2000) does not contain this vulnerability.

References

Netscape iPlanet iCal 'xhost -' Vulnerability

References:
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