CVE-2002-0875 in FAM
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in FAM 2.6.8, 2.6.6, and other versions allows unprivileged users to obtain the names of files whose access is restricted to the root group.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0875 affects the File Alteration Monitor FAM versions 2.6.8 and 2.6.6, representing a significant security flaw in file monitoring systems that can be exploited by unprivileged users to gain unauthorized access to restricted file information. This issue stems from inadequate access control mechanisms within the FAM service implementation, specifically in how it handles file monitoring requests for files with root group permissions. The vulnerability operates at the system level where legitimate file monitoring functionality becomes a vector for information disclosure, allowing users without proper privileges to discover the existence and names of files that should be restricted to root group access only.
The technical flaw manifests through improper privilege checking during file monitoring operations where FAM fails to adequately verify user permissions when processing file access requests. When a user attempts to monitor files through FAM, the system should validate whether the requesting user has appropriate access rights to the target files, particularly those with restricted root group permissions. However, the vulnerability allows unprivileged users to bypass these checks and obtain file names that are normally protected from disclosure. This weakness can be classified under CWE-200, which deals with Information Exposure, specifically in the context of insufficient access control mechanisms. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor through which sensitive file information can be extracted without proper authorization, undermining the principle of least privilege and creating potential information leakage scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0875 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable further attacks by providing adversaries with knowledge of system file structures and potentially sensitive file locations. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to map out the filesystem organization, identify critical system files, and potentially discover other vulnerabilities or weaknesses in the system's security posture. This information can be particularly valuable in planning more sophisticated attacks, such as privilege escalation attempts or targeted exploitation of other system components. The vulnerability affects systems where FAM is actively running and monitoring files, creating a persistent risk that remains active as long as the vulnerable service is operational. From an attack perspective, this aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, Information Discovery, where adversaries gather information about the system's file structure and access controls to inform their attack strategy.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected FAM versions to the latest secure releases that properly implement access control checks. System administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect unauthorized access attempts to restricted files. Network segmentation and access control lists can help limit the exposure of systems running FAM to potentially malicious users. Regular security audits should verify that file access controls are properly configured and that no unauthorized users have access to systems running vulnerable versions of FAM. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper privilege separation and access control implementation in system services, particularly those that monitor file changes and access patterns. Organizations should also implement principle of least privilege practices, ensuring that only authorized users have access to systems running file monitoring services that could be exploited in this manner.