CVE-2001-1172 in HTTProtect
Summary
by MITRE
OmniSecure HTTProtect 1.1.1 allows a superuser without omnish privileges to modify a protected file by creating a symbolic link to that file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1172 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within OmniSecure HTTProtect version 1.1.1, a security tool designed to protect files from unauthorized modifications. This weakness stems from improper handling of symbolic links during file protection operations, creating an avenue for unauthorized users to bypass intended access controls. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where a superuser account exists without omnish privileges, which typically should not possess the ability to modify protected files through normal operational procedures.
The technical flaw manifests when a superuser without omnish privileges attempts to modify a protected file by creating a symbolic link pointing to the target file. This approach exploits a race condition or improper permission checking mechanism within the HTTProtect implementation. When the system processes the symbolic link creation and subsequent file modification attempts, it fails to properly validate whether the operation should be permitted based on the user's actual privileges and the file's protection status. This design oversight allows the superuser to effectively circumvent the protection mechanisms that should normally prevent such modifications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of the HTTProtect system. An attacker with superuser access but without omnish privileges can leverage this weakness to modify critical system files, configuration data, or sensitive information stored in protected locations. This capability could lead to complete system compromise, data tampering, or the establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at a fundamental level of file system protection, potentially affecting multiple protected files within the system's scope.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper symbolic link handling within the HTTProtect system, ensuring that file operations validate the actual file targets rather than symbolic link paths. The system should enforce strict permission checking mechanisms that prevent users from bypassing protection through symbolic link manipulation. Security enhancements should include input validation for all file operations, proper handling of symbolic links in protection routines, and implementation of access control checks that consider the true nature of file targets rather than their symbolic representations. Organizations should also consider updating to patched versions of HTTProtect or implementing additional monitoring mechanisms to detect suspicious file modification patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-59 and CWE-284 categories, representing a failure in file system access control and improper privilege management. From an attack perspective, it maps to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and defense evasion tactics, where adversaries exploit weak access controls to gain unauthorized access to protected resources. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws in security tools can create significant security weaknesses that undermine entire protection strategies.