CVE-2002-1737 in Security Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Astaro Security Linux 2.016 creates world-writable files and directories, which allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2014
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1737 represents a critical privilege escalation issue within Astaro Security Linux 2.016, a security-focused Linux distribution designed for network protection and firewall management. This flaw stems from improper file system permissions configuration during the system's initialization or operation phases, creating files and directories with world-writable permissions that should typically be restricted to administrative access only. The vulnerability specifically affects the system's ability to maintain proper access controls, allowing any local user to modify or replace critical system files through the exploitation of these insecure permissions.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-732, which describes improper permission assignment where system resources are given permissions that are too broad or inappropriate for their intended use. In this case, the system creates world-writable files and directories that should have restricted permissions, typically requiring root or administrative privileges for modification. Attackers can exploit this by identifying these insecurely configured files and directories, then replacing or modifying them with malicious content that could execute with elevated privileges when the system processes these files. The flaw essentially creates a path for privilege escalation where local users can gain administrative access through the manipulation of system files with overly permissive permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and security posture of the Astaro Security Linux system. Once an attacker gains access to these world-writable files, they can potentially replace critical system binaries, configuration files, or log files with malicious versions that could persist across system reboots or provide backdoor access. This vulnerability directly enables several attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the persistence and privilege escalation tactics that allow attackers to maintain long-term access to compromised systems. The vulnerability essentially undermines the security model of the operating system by creating unauthorized write access points that should remain restricted to authorized administrative users only.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1737 require immediate remediation through proper permission configuration and system hardening practices. System administrators should conduct thorough audits of all file system permissions, particularly focusing on directories and files created during system initialization or runtime operations. The recommended approach involves implementing proper access controls using standard Linux permission models where system-critical files and directories are assigned appropriate ownership and permission sets that prevent unauthorized modification. Additionally, implementing regular security scanning processes can help identify newly created world-writable files that may have been introduced through system updates or third-party applications. Organizations should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized modifications to critical system files, as well as establishing proper system logging and monitoring to track access patterns to potentially vulnerable files. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining proper file system permissions as a fundamental security control, aligning with security best practices outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards for access control management.