CVE-2004-2197 in kdocker
Summary
by MITRE
kdocker.cpp in kdocker 0.1 through 0.8 does not properly check the ownership of files which could allow local users to execute arbitrary programs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-2197 affects kdocker version 0.1 through 0.8, specifically within the kdocker.cpp file where improper file ownership validation occurs. This flaw represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability that allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running affected versions of the kdocker utility. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms that fail to properly verify file ownership before processing or executing files. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper access control as defined by CWE-284, where the software does not adequately enforce access restrictions on resources or functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper file ownership checks during the docker process execution. When kdocker processes files, it fails to validate whether the user attempting to execute the program has legitimate ownership or authorization rights over the target files. This oversight creates a path for privilege escalation attacks where local users can manipulate file permissions or ownership to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where different users share the same system resources and where proper privilege separation should be maintained.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to system security and integrity. Local users who can exploit this flaw can potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the kdocker process, which may run with elevated permissions depending on system configuration. This capability allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources, escalate privileges to root level, or compromise the entire system. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data exfiltration, system persistence mechanisms, and further lateral movement within the network.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of kdocker or applying relevant security patches from the vendor. System administrators should also conduct thorough security audits to identify all instances of affected kdocker versions and ensure proper file ownership controls are enforced throughout the system. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK tactics including privilege escalation and execution, specifically mapping to techniques such as "T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and "T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter". Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as mandatory access controls, file integrity monitoring, and privilege separation mechanisms to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other system components.