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7.2

KDE kcheckpass can let local users become root

CVE-2005-2494 · published 21 years ago
Summary

The kcheckpass component used in KDE versions 3.2.0 through 3.4.2 can be tricked by a specially crafted link, allowing a normal user to obtain full administrative rights. This means an attacker who already has a user account could take control of the whole system. Update KDE to a newer version or apply the available patch to stop this behavior.

What to do

The CVE record does not list a fixed version. Check the vendor's site or the advisory links below - a fix may already be released.

Affected software
VendorProductAffected versions
kde kde 3.2.0
3.2.1
3.2.2
3.2.3
3.3.0
3.3.1
3.3.2
3.4.0
3.4.1
3.4.2
cpe:2.3:o:kde:kde:3.2.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Original advisory text
kcheckpass in KDE 3.2.0 up to 3.4.2 allows local users to gain root access via a symlink attack on lock files.
kcheckpass in KDE 3.2.0 up to 3.4.2 allows local users to gain root access via a symlink attack on lock files.
References
Fix within
Internet-facing 14 days
Internal At next upgrade
  • Not known to be exploited
  • Needs hands-on effort to exploit (estimated)
  • Gives an attacker full control (estimated)
Severity
7.2 High
Exploitation
<1% chance of attack within 30 days
Timeline
Published6 Sep 2005
Updated4 Nov 2026
First seen29 Sep 2026
Sources
CVE-2005-2494 · NVD
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