CVE-2000-0936 in Samba
Summary
by MITRE
Samba Web Administration Tool (SWAT) in Samba 2.0.7 installs the cgi.log logging file with world readable permissions, which allows local users to read sensitive information such as user names and passwords.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-0936 represents a critical security flaw within the Samba Web Administration Tool implementation that existed in Samba version 2.0.7. This issue specifically affects the logging mechanism of SWAT which is designed to provide web-based administration capabilities for Samba services. The vulnerability stems from improper file permission configuration during the installation process where the cgi.log file is created with world-readable permissions, creating an unintended information disclosure channel that compromises system security.
The technical flaw manifests when the Samba Web Administration Tool generates log files containing sensitive authentication data including usernames and passwords. When the cgi.log file is created with permissions that allow any local user to read its contents, it creates a direct pathway for unauthorized information access. This misconfiguration occurs at the file system level where the logging mechanism fails to properly restrict access permissions, allowing local privilege escalation through information gathering. The vulnerability specifically aligns with CWE-732, which describes improper permission assignment for critical resources, and represents a classic example of insufficient access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables local users to gain unauthorized access to authentication credentials and user information stored in the log files. Attackers can exploit this weakness to extract sensitive data without requiring elevated privileges, potentially leading to further compromise of the system through credential reuse attacks or lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad by exposing sensitive information that should remain protected. This issue is particularly concerning in environments where multiple local users share the same system or where the Samba service is deployed in multi-tenant environments where isolation is critical.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate remediation measures including changing the file permissions on the cgi.log file to restrict access to authorized users only, typically requiring root or administrative privileges. The recommended mitigation involves ensuring that log files are created with restrictive permissions such as 600 or 640, preventing world-readable access. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing proper log management practices including regular log rotation and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure configuration management and proper file permission settings in preventing information disclosure attacks. The issue also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1074.001, which covers data staging through local log collection, highlighting how seemingly benign logging functionality can become a security risk when improperly configured. Regular security audits and proper access control reviews should be implemented to prevent similar issues in other software components that handle sensitive information.