CVE-2000-1018 in Shred
Summary
by MITRE
shred 1.0 file wiping utility does not properly open a file for overwriting or flush its buffers, which prevents shred from properly replacing the file s data and allows local users to recover the file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/28/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-1018 affects the shred file wiping utility version 1.0, which is part of the GNU coreutils package. This flaw represents a critical security weakness in data sanitization processes that can compromise the effectiveness of file deletion operations. The issue stems from improper file handling mechanisms within the utility's implementation, specifically concerning how it manages file descriptors and buffer operations during the overwrite process. According to CWE-123, this vulnerability falls under the category of "Key Handling" where the system fails to properly manage file access patterns during data destruction operations. The flaw allows malicious actors to potentially recover deleted data through forensic analysis, undermining the fundamental purpose of secure file wiping.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the shred utility attempts to overwrite files with random data or patterns to ensure complete data destruction. During this process, the utility fails to properly flush system buffers or ensure that all file data has been written to disk before closing the file descriptor. This incomplete file handling creates a window where the original data remains accessible in memory buffers or disk cache, allowing for data recovery through forensic techniques. The issue is particularly concerning because it directly impacts the integrity of the data sanitization process, which is essential for protecting sensitive information during file deletion operations. The flaw operates at the system call level where file I/O operations are not properly synchronized, creating persistent data remnants that can be recovered by determined attackers.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on shred for secure data disposal, particularly in environments where sensitive information is handled. Local users with access to the system can exploit this weakness to recover deleted files through various data recovery methods, including memory analysis and disk forensics. The impact extends beyond simple data recovery to potential information disclosure, as the vulnerability allows attackers to access previously deleted sensitive data such as passwords, personal information, or confidential documents. This represents a direct violation of data protection principles and can lead to compliance violations under regulations such as the general data protection regulation gdpr or the health insurance portability and accountability act hipaa. The vulnerability affects any system where shred is used for secure file deletion, making it a widespread concern across various computing environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of the shred utility to ensure proper file handling and buffer flushing mechanisms are implemented. System administrators should verify that all instances of the utility are updated to versions that properly handle file I/O operations and ensure complete buffer synchronization during overwrite operations. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as verifying that file deletion processes complete successfully before considering data permanently removed, and using alternative secure deletion methods where possible. The implementation of proper file handling practices should follow established security guidelines and may require modifications to existing scripts or processes that rely on shred for data sanitization. Security monitoring should include verification that file operations complete without buffering issues, and system integrity checks should validate that data sanitization processes operate correctly. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper buffer management in security-critical utilities and the necessity of thorough testing of system components that handle sensitive data operations.