CVE-2004-0563 in Freenet6
Summary
by MITRE
The tspc.conf configuration file in freenet6 before 0.9.6 and before 1.0 on Debian Linux has world readable permissions, which could allow local users to gain sensitive information, such as a username and password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0563 represents a critical configuration flaw in the freenet6 software suite, specifically affecting versions prior to 0.9.6 and 1.0 on Debian Linux systems. This issue stems from improper file permission settings where the tspc.conf configuration file is accessible to all users on the system, creating an information disclosure vulnerability that can be exploited by local attackers. The freenet6 software is designed to provide IPv6 network connectivity and tunneling services, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for network infrastructure security.
The technical flaw manifests through the misconfiguration of file permissions where the tspc.conf file, which contains sensitive authentication credentials including usernames and passwords, is set with world-readable permissions. This allows any local user on the system to access the file contents without requiring elevated privileges or authentication. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-732, which describes improper permission settings where a security-sensitive resource is accessible to unauthorized users. The configuration file likely contains authentication tokens, network credentials, and potentially other sensitive operational parameters that could be leveraged for further attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as local users who can read the configuration file can potentially escalate their privileges or conduct unauthorized network activities. Attackers could exploit this to gain insights into network topology, authentication mechanisms, and operational credentials that might be used to compromise other systems or services within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where freenet6 is deployed as a tunneling or network connectivity service, as the credentials could be used to establish unauthorized connections or manipulate network traffic.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0563 should prioritize immediate remediation through proper file permission configuration, ensuring that the tspc.conf file is accessible only to authorized users and processes. System administrators should implement proper access control lists and file permissions using standard security practices such as setting restrictive permissions (typically 600 or 640) on sensitive configuration files. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to identify and correct similar permission misconfigurations across all system files and configuration resources. The remediation process should follow established security frameworks such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and should be documented according to industry standards like ISO 27001 for proper security governance and compliance. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of implementing automated security monitoring tools that can detect and alert on improper file permissions and access control misconfigurations.